14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has taken down its video delivery services for a couple of hours in order to introduce the next generation of Soapbox and MSN Video. Microsoft has not only revamped Soapbox on MSN Video unveiling a new website, but also MSN Video. However, as MSN Video is available for all users, Soapbox is still a limited beta program, accessible by invitation only.
According to the Soapbox team, the months of development that have gone into Microsoft's viral video website mean that the service has been reworked from the ground up. In fact, Microsoft has applauded the re-launching of Soapbox. "All of us on the Soapbox Team have been working hard to upgrade Soapbox, to create a better user experience. We have taken all of your feedback into account and spent the last few months redesigning and upgrading, both the frontend and backend of the service," revealed a member of the Soapbox team.
One of the major enhancements introduced to Soapbox is the new user interface. Additionally, users will be able to benefit from scalable pages, with dynamically scaling thumbnails and page, a new video player with integrated Playlists and Progessive Download Indicators, increased playlist capabilities, revamped fullscreen experience, and video gallery management.
"Although Soapbox is still in closed beta and is not accepting new members, existing Soapbox users should still enjoy viewing and uploading privileges. Embedded Videos on Blogs are still open, and do not require a signin to watch," added the Soapbox representative.
Together with Soapbox, Microsoft has also made available the next generation of MSN Video, featuring a comprehensive user interface and Soapbox-based functionality. The Soapbox team member described the changes undertaken by MSN Video: "drawing on the many Premiere-Level video content partners, such as NBC News, MSNBC, and scores of other networks and studios, MSN Video Beta has been redesigned to be versatile and flexible. All of the same improvements found on Soapbox can be found on MSN Video: Improved Navigation, Single Page Browsing, Upgraded cross-platform Video Player."
