14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is in the process of Metro-fying more and more of its products, with Windows Live services being the last of them to receive the touch of this user interface.
Not long ago, the company announced changes to the name of Windows Live services, but it seems that, in fact, it will change more than that.
Just as previously rumored, Hotmail, SkyDrive, and Microsoft account (previously Windows Live ID) are expected to receive an interface makeover, although the Redmond-based company is keeping mum on the matter.
However, a recent article on LiveSide brings to the spotlight a screenshot of what appears to be the new UI of Microsoft’s account website, so that we can get an idea of the changes about to take place.
The website now sports a cleaner look, with a navigation bar to the left and a Metro-style header at the top. Additionally, text boxes and buttons appear to have been optimized for use on touchscreens too, and fall in line with the UI of Windows 8.
There are five categories designed for easy navigation, namely overview, profile, notifications, permissions and billing.
In Overview, users can edit their name, email address, personal info, and security details, or can choose to end their account.
The Profile section brings up the profile page at http://profile.live.com, while the Notifications section enables users to manage email and marketing preferences.
In Permissions, they can manage linked accounts, set parental permissions, or connect the Microsoft account to various other services and accounts. The Billing section will get users to billing page at http://billing.microsoft.com, LiveSide notes.
As soon as these changes enter into effect, the Windows Live branding will be removed from the page. Similar modifications will take place on Hotmail and SkyDrive. Moreover, Microsoft is expected to set specific color themes for each of these destinations.