14 DAY TRIAL // On May 22, 2008, Microsoft introduced the second update this year to Windows Live SkyDrive, adding new functionality but also opening up the free online storage service to more markets around the world. Users will be able to notice a few changes across SkyDrive, mainly additional features designed to deliver richer user experiences. The focus is placed on kicking the level of social interaction up a notch via traditional communications mechanisms such as the ability to post comments for certain files. At the same time, the latest Windows Live SkyDrive takes not only interaction, but also sharing, feedback, management and navigation to the next level.
"The Windows Live SkyDrive Team has released an update bringing the following new features for our enjoyment: users can now leave comments on files; new Recent Comments page for comments left recently on files shared in Windows Live SkyDrive; users now have the ability to leave descriptions on files (captions for photos); the ability to manage favorite websites in Windows Live SkyDrive; new navigation control (called the 'browsing widget') to navigate between files in a folder; and the ability to change folder views from 'icon view' to 'detailed view'. For photos you have the added 'photo thumbnails' view," explained Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc.
The updates introduced to Windows Live SkyDrive also manage to resolve bugs that end users have reported and, in this regard, the overall experience of the service is bound to be superior to what Microsoft has offered thus far. New features, such as detailed view and photo thumbnails view, along with comments, captions, click control and larger photo previews give a taste of the tweaks that will continue to be implemented to Windows Live SkyDrive, although users are yet to see integration with Windows Explorer and synchronization capabilities.
However, one good piece of news is that the new release of Windows Live SkyDrive has expanded beyond the 32 markets it was originally available in. "We're now live in 24 additional locations, bringing our grand total to 62 countries and regions! We welcome new users in Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Thailand, Ukraine, and Venezuela," stated a member of the Windows Live SkyDrive team.