14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is moving to the next stage in the evolution of Windows Live. In this context, the WindowsLive.com website was overhauled in order to fall under the same design as the online destinations on Microsoft.com reserved for the Windows operating system, indicating, yet again, the intimate connection between the company's desktop and cloud platforms. Additionally, the software giant is placing the end users firmly in control of Windows Live via the under the hood revamp which is essentially synonymous with the debut of Windows Live Clubhouse. In the end, users will have access to an aggregator set up to centralize the most relevant content they produce and highlight it on WindowsLive.com under the slogan "Whatever you need, wherever you are."
"Today, the brand new WindowsLive.com website has launched sporting an all-new look and feel and lots of great content such as neat tips and tricks and show-and-tell stories on how people are using Windows Live in their lives," revealed Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc. "The content on WindowsLive.com is driven from the community of passionate Windows Live users through the Windows Live Clubhouse. The Windows Live Clubhouse is a special Windows Live Space that brings other Windows Live users together in talking about Windows Live on their own Windows Live Space. Using Windows Live Writer and using special tags designed for the Windows Live Clubhouse, users can have content written on their Windows Live Space aggregated to WindowsLive.com and shared with the world!"
Microsoft's position is to permit the community to drive the content that is featured on WindowsLive.com. This is done through a filtering process which is based on users' rating to various pieces of content. The bottom line is that the software giant is placing Windows Live in the hands of its users, while assuming a passive position and just rolling along with whatever the community dictates.
"We began developing this community-driven site about a year ago with some pretty basic questions: How can we help our customers help each other? How are they using Windows Live in creative ways that make their lives better and more fun? In the process, what can we learn about making Windows Live better? We think we're on the right track with the new site," explained Senior Product Marketing Manager Marty Collins.