Microsoft Takes Live Search Video to Wave 3 Level

Microsoft is in the process of introducing Wave 3 of its Windows Live suite of applications and services. Live Search is, inherently, one of the Windows Live components impacted by the evolution, with enhancements reverberating across the search engine. In this context, over the past week, the Redmond company has introduced Live Search Video Wave 3, with the new version rolling out in the U.S.

“Now, you have lots of tools for browsing to find your favorite TV shows, music videos, and all of the most-watched content on the Web, just by clicking. Based on what we're hearing, it's a prime time hit! And, of course, it still includes the best and only 'smart-motion preview' technology that plays a preview right on the page to spare you those frustrating misclicks,” revealed Henry Hall, senior product manager, Live Search.

Microsoft has overhauled the Live Search Video home page, delivering and streamlining access to a variety of content by default. However, the main enhancements are related to the new navigational features made available to users. Live Search Video indexes a variety of items from TV shows, to Music videos, to news, sports, and even delivers the most watched content right to the users' fingertips. Videos are gathered from a wide range of websites, including YouTube, Hulu, AOL, MTVAP, CBS, BBC, ESPN, and others.

“You can browse through the most relevant genres, the most watched and most recent shows, and alphabetical lists. And you can also refine your results by the duration, resolution, and, most importantly, you can search our index of the full-length TV shows,” Hall added. “Looking for what's hot in music videos? Start out on the Music pages, and use similar power tools for exploring. Here, you can browse by genre, the most popular musical artists, the most watched, and the most recent videos.”