14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is gearing up to introduce a new update to Windows Live. Brian Hall, general manager of the Windows Live Business Group, indicated that the refresh was just around the corner, while at the same time, making sure to point out that the evolution of the collection of services and applications under the Windows Live brand umbrella was also possible by building bridges to third parties. In this regard, the focus of the upcoming Windows Live update is set on enabling users to enjoy a higher level of flexibility when it comes down to sharing contacts with other websites and aggregating activities. Windows Live will simply get a social networking boost.
“We’ve added 20 new third-party content partners that you can integrate with Windows Live, bringing the total number of third-party content partners to more than 30,” Hall added. “According to the latest data from comScore, there are more than 600 million active users on the various blogging sites, social networks and photo sharing sites that Windows Live has partnered with, and many of these people also make up the 500 million users on Windows Live. This update will make it easier for Windows Live customers to connect with their activities on these other sites and share them with friends in their Windows Live network.”
In addition, Microsoft has also labored to make it easier for end users to control their contact data. The software giant has bridged Windows Live with MySpace, hi5 and Tagged, streamlining the process associated with inviting contacts to and from these online properties. What the Redmond company is attempting to do, is allow users to keep a single set of contacts over all websites, not just Windows Live, or their preferred social network.
“People love the availability of all these online capabilities, but it’s reaching a tipping point where the bigger challenge is bringing them together in a manageable way,” Hall added. “What we’re doing with this update is using Windows Live to integrate the best of social networking and other communication networks in a way that doesn’t require signing up for yet another social network. If you’re happy with a social network, that’s great. You should keep using it. Our goal is to make your online experience more valuable by connecting them together.”