Microsoft has released a new wave of Windows Live services, adding more social networking features to its portfolio of web services.
Last month, Microsoft revealed plans to add Facebook-like features to its portfolio of Web services. This includes email, calendar, instant messaging, photo storage and sharing, and collaboration services with others. Microsoft said at the time that users would be able to use the new service before the end of the year.
In November 2005, Microsoft first revealed the Windows Live brand of its web services and plans to add new services to the brand. The purpose of adding these services is to make Windows Live Web an entry point for users to access the Web, and ultimately lay the foundation for Microsoft to sell more Web ads and become more competitive with Google.
With the new version of Windows Live services, users can use Windows Live Hotmail, Windows Live Messenger, and other Live apps and services to let "designated" friends see users' activities in other web apps. This feature is similar to the "feed back" feature used on Facebook.
To provide new activity features, Microsoft is also working with third-party websites to connect their apps to Windows Live. These include Flickr, iLike, LinkedIn, Yelp, Flixster, Pandora, Twitter, Photobucket, and Tripit.
Microsoft announced several new services on Tuesday, in addition to updates to existing services. This includes Windows Live Groups services, Windows Live Photos, Windows Live Profile, and Windows Live People. Users can access these web services now.
Source: CNET