Windows Live Calendar Released to Web

As of January 14, 2009, Microsoft released Windows Live Calendar to web. According to the Redmond company, as the service was in Beta stage, work was focused on integrating user feedback into the Wave 3 release, in addition to the new features introduced. A sufficiently-polished Windows Live Calendar was wrapped up and is now available to users around the world in over 45 languages. The new version of the service brings to the table a new graphical user interface, aligned with the general visual style of Windows Live Wave 3, and a range of improvements brought to the previous release.

“We've made some changes across Windows Live Calendar to match the overall style of the Windows Live services, and we've added support for the Safari web browser. One of our favorite changes is the 'split button.' Now, when you select the arrow next to the 'New' button in the header menu, you can immediately create a new event, to-do, calendar, or social event. And, speaking of social events, they use Windows Live Events and are a great way to plan parties and share discussions, photos and other stuff with people attending the same event,” a Windows Live Calendar team representative said.

Microsoft revealed that users would be able to take advantage of expandable weeks, in order to see more events. With the new Show More option, they have the possibility to see all their events even in month view, by expanding the weeks' grid. The new release of Windows Live Calendar also comes with Charms, essential icons that can be used to add visual identifiers to specific events. In addition, the Wave 3 version of the service features enhanced sharing capabilities, and Microsoft promises that users will soon be able to send invitations for an event.

“In the next few months, for those people using the original (MSN) calendar, we will be moving you to the new Windows Live Calendar. Don't worry; we'll do most of the moving for you! We’ll move your current calendar appointments, meeting requests, tasks, and notes to your new Windows Live Calendar. You’ll be able to find your tasks and notes in the new to-do list,” The Windows Live Calendar team member added.