14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft started rolling out a redesigned version of MSN on March 9th, 2010. According to the company, in the next coming weeks, customers should begin to see the new homepage that, from now on, will be the foundation for the portal. As it is the case with many large Microsoft online properties, the new MSN homepage is rolled out gradually to customers, and, in this regard, some will get the new experience sooner than others.
The Redmond company has already talked extensively about the overhaul of MSN, and has also already offered it to about 10% of US users. According to Erik Jorgensen, corporate vice president, MSN, the revamped homepage will be reserved for US users only, with the software giant making no plans public as to when or if it plans to offer a similar overhaul of MSN internationally. In this context, the company’s landmark Internet portal will be available in its redesigned form only to 100 million US users, although MSN attracts over 575 million people globally.
“We are beginning the launch of our new homepage to our customers in the U.S. The new MSN homepage cuts through the clutter with a clean, new design and offers search, news, local and social networking – all in one place. We encourage you to try the new homepage today and learn more about the many cool features,” Jorgensen stated. “Since the preview of our new homepage began in November, we’ve been very busy gathering over 70,000 pieces of customer feedback and introducing over 30 updates in our quest to deliver the best homepage to stay in the know.”
Microsoft continues to offer users a preview version of the redesigned MSN homepage that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. The new homepage features a better and more prominent integration of the Bing search/decision engine, as well as a TrendWatch feature that taps Google data, but also more visible search suggestions. In addition to Twitter trends, Microsoft also included Windows Live, Facebook and Twitter integration right on the homepage in a move designed to attract members of the social networks to MSN to a greater degree. The redesign also brings into focus the news section, but offers less cutter and distractions from the page’s center of gravity, which, as a result, attracts 50% more clicks.
“Because we want to ensure every customer has a great first experience, we’re taking our time to roll it out, but all of our 100 million customers in the US will have the new homepage within the next few weeks. Today marks an important milestone for us, but we’re going to keep working hard to hear your feedback and deliver more great experiences across MSN,” Jorgensen added.
