Windows announces-Live Spaces with new features

DQC News Bureau

Microsoft Corp has rolled out Windows Live Spaces (WLS), the next generation
of the world's most widely used blogging service, MSN Spaces. It includes
social networking features that are designed to help users discover and connect
with friends through their trusted contacts. It also allows customers to
personalize their WLS with gadgets. Microsoft has also announced additional
progress on Windows Live with the launch of Windows Live Toolbar, the Windows
Live QnA beta and the releases of enhanced safety services in the coming weeks.

“With the release of products such as WLS, we continue to deliver on our
mission of bringing customers closer to the information and people that matter
to them most,” said Steve Berkowitz, Senior VP - Online Services Group,
Microsoft. “Windows Live and Internet-based ad-funded software and service are
critical to drive growth for the company, and we are energized about the
continued investments we're making to helpprovide consumers with a seamless
and safer online experience,” he added.

As the next generation of the popular MSN Spaces, WLS will allow consumers to
tell their story and customize their site with blogs, photo albums, music lists
and more. It is designed to connect users to their real social network of
friends - people in their Windows Live Contacts list - that is integrated
across Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Mail and other services - and
introduce them to people through these trusted contacts. Users that are already
on one another's Windows Live Messenger contact lists can initiate instant
messaging conversations from within WLS.

Expanded social networking opportunities through WLS are balanced by enhanced
privacy tools that give users full control over permission settings to specify
who can contact them, see their profile information and view the contents of
their site. The respective permissions and communications preferences are
clearly displayed alongside the user's profile information and can be updated
at any time.

In addition, consumers will be able to choose from hundreds of gadgets -
specialized mini-applications created by developers from the community and
content partners - to easily personalize their WLS. Customers can create a
Windows Live Space at http://spaces.live.com.