Thanks to some great work by tophtucker and then BV2312, we managed to catch the new Windows Live Hotmail promotion site as soon as it popped up today. What we love about this site is that it has gone public with some of the changes for Windows Live Hotmail that are coming up in the Wave 3 beta. Here's the summary:

Speed: The coming soon page says that for broadband users, the new Hotmail will be up to 70% faster on sign in (50% for non-broadband users). That's a pretty big claim, and one which should provide for some interesting testing once the beta is open to the public.

Ever-increasing storage: Microsoft have carefully avoided using the phrase "unlimited storage", as Yahoo has done, but in a sense this is what is being offered. The figures we last heard for this were the the existing 5GB free accounts would be getting growth of 250MB per month, but this is pre-beta and could have changed and so our usual disclaimer applies. Obviously the PR definitely looks better leaving the figures out, but a free inbox of 8GB by the end of year 1 gives us a warm feeling. (For comparison, Gmail is currently on 7GB and still growing.)

New UI: Along with the new Wave 3 UI, in particular the new header and themes available shown below, the new promotion site suggests that the classic and full versions of Hotmail will be combined together. This potentially means that full functionality could be available across all browsers. Also worth mentioning here are improvements around deadling with spam.

In terms of Hotmail integrating with other Windows Live services, there's also some details on that:

WebIM built-in: This feature doesn't really need much explaining and should be a popular addition. From what we've heard it'll support most of the basic needs such as presence, notifications and chat via the WebMessenger dogfood. Yes its been a while since we've spoken about that!

Integrated Calendar: No surprise if you're on the new Windows Live Calendar beta to hear there will be integration between the two services.

Easier to send group emails: Thanks to the new Windows Live Groups service (go ABCH!) it'll be easier to email all those contacts in one go

And of course there is stuff not on the PR site that we've head about, including the long-rumoured POP support for other mail clients and using Skydrive for storing photos sent in via Photo Mail.

Unfortunately if you're now excited about giving the new Hotmail a try, we haven't seen any links to sign up for a public beta. As soon as we do though, we'll let you know. Keep those tips coming, either in the comments or via email.

Yesterday we released an update for Windows Live Writer. The update primarily addresses a problem in Windows Live Writer that prevents support for posting drafts to Blogger. More information about the update is available in this knowledge base article.

This update is being distributed via Microsoft Update, so if you have chosen to have important updates automatically installed, you should receive this update automatically. If you aren't automatically getting updates, you can open Windows Update, check for updates, and the update will appear in the list of available updates.

Once the update has been successfully applied, the Windows Live Writer version number will be updated to 12.0.1367.1128, so the about dialog will look like this:

In addition, once the update has been applied, the option to post drafts to Blogger will be available and working correctly. Technorati Tags: Windows Live Writer, Update, Blogger
[Releases ]
View original post | Add to del.icio.us| Updated 8 months ago | Share

posted by Aaron

Steven told everyone about the “i’m Making a Difference” group on Facebook this past Wednesday. I’m pleased to announce the winning cause organization is the Humane Society of the United States! Over 50,000 people joined the challenge with the HSUS receiving the most votes. It is our privilege to present a $50,000 donation in honor of Windows Live on behalf of the Facebook group and its members!

The Humane Society has been working since 1954 to celebrate animals and confront cruelty in all its forms. As the nation’s largest and most powerful animal protection organization, they work tirelessly to advocate for a population unable to advocate for itself. We hope this contribution helps them continue their great work.

To everyone that joined the group: Thank you! Thank you for joining, thank you for telling your friends, and thank you all for speaking out passionately on the wall and the message boards. Together, we are truly making a difference!

----

If you have a comment on this post please comment! For other questions/concerns/discussion topics/rants/raves/etc - please head over to the Windows Live Messenger Newsgroup.

View original post | Add to del.icio.us| Updated 9 months ago | Share

posted by Eric

Hey There Readers,

Eric from the Spaces team guest blogging today. I wanted to share my thoughts on a relatively new Messenger feature that I’ve really been digging lately – “Music Mix”. In case you haven’t discovered it yourself, “Music Mix” allows you and a buddy listen to a shared music playlist simultaneously.

For example my old friend Scott, who is a huge music fan, lives in New Jersey and I live in Seattle. We chat on Messenger all the time. Now with “Music Mix” he can play me all the cool new songs he’s been listening to right from a Messenger window and I can share my favorite tracks instantly with him. It’s like having your own little private jukebox. Both people can add songs to the “Music Mix”, fast forward or rewind and the changes will instantly be mirrored on each other’s mix. So if one person declared “whoa, awesome drum solo” the other would have just heard said awesome solo at the same time.

To start listening to music with your friends click on the Activities tab and select “Music Mix”.

Here I am schooling my pal Rob on some classic Prince:

And if you want to share a playlist of songs you are particularly proud of you can create a Music List on Windows Live Spaces. You can make this list look extra cool by adding album covers from Amazon.com (note: this part is only available in some markets).

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If you have thoughts on this post or "Music Mix" feel free to leave a comment. For other questions/concerns/discussion topics/rants/raves/etc - please head over to the Windows Live Messenger Newsgroup.

View original post | Add to del.icio.us| Updated 9 months ago | Share

Instructional video demonstrations for how to use Windows Live Writer are now available.  Check them out on Soapbox and YouTube!

2 minutes, 26 seconds
This instructional video demonstration shows how to setup Windows Live Writer to work with your blog and, if you don't already have a blog, how to create a new blog on Windows Live.

2 minutes, 16 seconds
This instructional video demonstration shows how to do basic authoring of a blog post using Windows Live Writer.

5 minutes
This instructional video demonstration shows how to insert and edit rich content - like pictures, videos and maps - using Windows Live Writer.

2 minutes, 44 seconds
This instructional video demonstration shows how to open, save, print and publish blog posts using Windows Live Writer. You will also learn about how to get more information and send feedback to the Windows Live Writer team.

11 minutes
This is a single video that covers the all the same content in the videos listed above (1 - 4).

Enjoy!

The following is the official press release for Messenger TV:

Premium Video on demand now available through Windows Live Messenger

London 12th MAY 2008. Microsoft today launches Messenger TV, a European innovation that brings together two of the most popular activities online – watching videos and chatting on Windows Live Messenger. As Messenger TV launches, Microsoft also announces new video content agreements in the UK with Channel 4 and EMI along with the signing of European advertisers including Twentieth Century Fox and Pepsi.

The new service will enable hundreds of millions of Windows Live Messenger customers to choose from an ever-growing range of premium content from MSN Video and watch it at the same time as their friends through Windows Live Messenger, all whilst being able to chat as part of their instant messaging conversation.

John Mangelaars, Vice-President, EMEA, Consumer and Online, Microsoft, said, "Online video has exploded in popularity over the last year, but to date it has been something people watch on their own. Messenger TV is set to change all that. Watching video online can now be a social experience, as people watch videos together, make comments and share reactions – all over Windows Live Messenger."

According to ComScore Video Metrix, watching videos is now the third most popular online activity behind search and shopping. Jack Flanagan, Executive Vice President, ComScore, said, "In the past year, the emergence of online videos has exploded throughout Europe. In the UK alone, over 87% of the online population accounted for nearly 10 billion minutes.

"By bringing together the interactivity of messenger usage with the ability to view videos online with other people and interact while this occurs, creates a new best of breed application. The launch of Messenger TV harnesses the power of social connectivity and interaction into a new state of the art application that is likely to resonate very strongly in the online world for media companies, advertisers and consumers."

Video usage figures are comparable in European markets, where watching online video attracts 84% of the online population in France and 81% in Germany.

Compelling Content
Messenger TV users can choose content from the entire MSN Video channel. Viewers can enjoy some of the most popular content on the web from MTV shows such as ‘Pimp My Ride' and ‘Punk'd' to a wide selection of videos and exclusive footage from Sony BMG's vast roster of superstar and emerging artists.

Gideon Bierer, MTVNI, Digital Media, SVP, said, "We are always looking for new ways to deliver our content, whenever and wherever our audience wants to be. With hundreds of millions of users worldwide, Windows Live Messenger is a great opportunity, and MSN and MTV are a great partnership. Our content – short-form, animation, comedy and music-orientated – is perfectly suited for MSN's audience while our brands are helping drive audiences to MSN's video sites."

Celebrating the launch of Messenger TV, Microsoft is also announcing content partnerships with Channel 4 and EMI to provide new video content on MSN Video in the UK. Content from Channel 4 includes clips of Skins, Peep Show and How to Look Good Naked amongst others. Content from EMI will include music videos from across all of EMI's frontline labels as well as its extensive back catalogue. Music fans will be able to check out the likes of Coldplay's "Speed of Sound" and Kylie's "In My Arms," as well as iconic music videos from Queen, Radiohead and Blur.

John Mangelaars, Vice-President, EMEA, Consumer and Online, Microsoft, said, "Our vision for MSN is to provide what we call the social portal, combining content that informs and entertains with Windows Live services such as Windows Live Messenger, which foster community and engagement. Video is a key part of this strategy and we continue to forge strong alliances with leading publishers and content owners."

Advertiser Opportunities
Messenger TV opens up a range of exciting new opportunities for advertisers, who can now reach their target audience via this pioneering social media platform, seamlessly integrating their brand into Windows Live Messenger conversations. Already, big brand advertisers including Pepsi, Twentieth Century Fox and Mazda have signed up to run campaigns on Messenger TV in European markets.

Bettina Sherick, Vice President of Digital Marketing for Twentieth Century Fox International said, "We are always looking for innovative ways to reach entertainment consumers who are actively watching video online. Messenger TV speaks to that need. We are confident that the combination of premium video content and the highly engaged Windows Live Messenger audience will help deliver a high impact advertising campaign to promote the latest M. Night Shyamalan film, ‘The Happening'. We are delighted to be the first brand to advertise on Messenger TV across multiple countries. We believe Messenger TV combines the best of online content with consumer conversation, creating a very attractive brand proposition."

Using Messenger TV is easy:

1. Ensure your browser language is set to your country
2. Start a regular text chat in Windows Live Messenger with a friend
3. Start Messenger TV from the list of activities within Windows Live Messenger
4. Browse the library of content on MSN Video
5. Choose your favourite clips and create a playlist from the vast selection of news, music, movie trailers, celebrity gossip and much more.

About MSN Video
MSN Video player provides an extensive array of videos, from breaking news to the latest in entertainment such as movie trailers and celebrity interviews and sports action. MSN video also offers user-generated content via its Soapbox service. The player features a split screen format that allows viewers to search for the next video to watch while concurrently watching a video.

About MSN and Windows Live
MSN attracts more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month. With localised versions available globally in 42 markets including 18 in EMEA. MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Windows Live™, a comprehensive set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)
Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft employs more than 16,000 people in over 64 subsidiaries, delivering products and services in more than 139 countries and territories.

#########

This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corp disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material for other purposes. Microsoft Corp shall not, at any time, be liable for any special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting any kind of warranty.

- Brian Groth (Windows Live product manager)

Microsoft’s consumer and online division in Europe is excited to announce the official release of Messenger TV to 21 countries (Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom).

While the European team created Messenger TV, it has been a world-wide effort to build. Working with Microsoft teams around the world, we have shared the efforts to design, develop, test, localise, host, market, and sell ads for Messenger TV. Not only did the European team build it, but the idea initially came from Italy who created an early version last year and was the motivation that got the rest of Microsoft excited by the possibilities of using MSN Video content within Windows Live Messenger.

With Messenger TV, we are bringing two of the most popular activities online – watching videos and chatting on IM. This new service lets you watch MSN Videos with a friend as you have live text conversations about the videos you are watching together. Similar to watching television with your friends, you can watch videos and chat about them as you both see the same video at the same time. But the best way to understand Messenger TV is to visit http://MessengerTV.msn.com or to start the activity while chatting to a friend in Windows Live Messenger. With Messenger TV, you can select any of the videos that are available from MSN Video, build your playlist, and watch the videos with a friend.

With Messenger TV, you can also:

1. Blog about the videos you see and like by clicking the “Blog to Spaces” button. Clicking this opens your browser with your Windows Live Spaces blog already written, complete with a thumbnail of the video and a link to watch it so all you have to do is click “publish” from within Spaces to share the video with your friends and family who visit your Spaces site.

2. Send e-mail to offline friends with links to the videos you see and like by clicking the “Email Video” button. Clicking this creates a new e-mail in your default e-mail client, such as Windows Live Mail, with a link to the video so all you have to do is click “send” to share the video with your friends and family.

3. Search for other videos to watch online by entering a word or two in the “Search for videos online” box. The search results open in your browser with search results displayed on http://video.msn.com where you can continue watching videos that are found as a result of your search.

Not only is Messenger TV a fun experience for consumers, but it is a great example of software+services. On the desktop, it uses the peer-to-peer capabilities of Windows Live Messenger that runs on your Windows PC so you and a friend can watch videos together. In other words, it uses web services to configure Messenger TV and to stream videos from our MSN Video servers to each client.   

I believe we can build a highly competitive business around online video by providing premium content (we also announced new deals in the UK with Channel 4 and EMI in celebration of the Messenger TV launch today), engaging our audience through Windows Live services – integrated with the content (i.e with services like Messenger TV) and creating great advertising opportunities.

- John Mangelaars (Vice President, EMEA)

Over the last couple of days you may have noticed a few URLs being blocked during your text-chats on Windows Live Messenger. This was the result of something a partner of Microsoft's did and has now been corrected. Please see the "Inside Windows Live Messenger" blog for more details. Please keep in mind that we block URLs for everyone's safety (viruses, spam, and so on), and we do that via this partner. Apparently something went wrong and we will try to keep it from happening again. I know Dharmesh, who posted the blog entry on "Inside Windows Live Messenger", and I am confident that he will help resolve and improve this.

- Brian Groth (Windows Live product manager)

  posted by Dharmesh

Greetings Messenger fans –

As some of you noticed, we had a problem from Friday night to Saturday morning where our Messenger service was incorrectly blocking some legitimate IP addresses.  We sincerely apologize for any difficulties this caused our users.  And we want to thank those of you that reported this problem to us so that we could quickly fix it.  Because of your help, the incorrect block was only in place for a few hours. 

As you can imagine, we are very serious about our efforts to block virus, malware and other harmful URLs from being passed on to our users.  And we're continually working to improve this process so that we can keep our users safe without having a negative impact on your Messenger service.

There have been some pretty outlandish speculations on what happened so I'd like to give you some facts about our process for trying to block unsafe URLs and about what happened Friday night:

• There are a number of factors that can be used to determine whether a URL is potentially harmful: number of times a URL is sent, the frequency of the URL being sent, the number of accounts the URL is sent from, manually checking the URL, comparing with other "block lists", etc.
• When a URL is deemed harmful, a block can be instated for a specific URL (i.e. www.<domain>.com/<page>) or an entire domain (i.e. *.<domain>.com)
• This entire process for Messenger is managed by a 3rd party that is a Microsoft partner
• On Friday, Microsoft did not request to block any of the URLs that were accidentally blocked
• The blocks were made by our partner as a result of their process to block harmful URLs
• We are still investigating the specific reason our partner made these incorrect blocks and we will work with them to improve their process for detecting harmful URLs while not blocking safe ones

As always, we're open to feedback on how to make Messenger an even greater service.  And again, our apologies to the users that were impacted by this.

  posted by Dharmesh

Greetings Messenger fans –

I have a great follow-up to the recent news about an incredibly successful first year for the i’m Initiative. Windows Live Hotmail announced today that they are joining in on the i’m Initiative started with Windows Live Messenger.  This means that now you can use either Messenger or Hotmail (or both) and help raise money for the cause of your choice.  Check out Hotmail’s blog for the details. 

This means that for all you passionate i’m participants out there, now’s the time to double down and start having your email use help make a difference like it has with Messenger. 

New to ?  Then go to http://im.live.com to learn more.

...and impress your friends? That will be piece of cake - thanks to the "Messenger Heroes". This new emoticon pack has more guts than Superman and Schwarzenegger together - all in a very cartoon-like style. If you're a fan of "The Incredibles", you'll love the Messenger Heroes too!

You can download the "Messenger Heroes" straight into your Windows Live Messenger - there are 30 of them and all for free!

The Messenger Heroes are live in Belgium (NL & FR), Denmark, Germany, UK, Norway & Sweden. Click on of these countries to get these free emoticons! If you're brave enough...

- Carole Vincke (Marketing Executive)

For those of you who frequently include images in your blog posts and find that you often apply the same settings, there is a convenient feature in Writer that enables you to save those settings as the defaults for all future images. 

• First, inset an image. 
• Then apply the settings to the image so it look the way you want (for example: change the text wrapping to "Right" and apply the "Photopaper" border).
• Then click on the "Save settings as default" link at the bottom of the Image Properties sidebar (as shown on the right).

Now, the next time you insert an image it will be using the settings that you just saved following the steps above.

Not all settings get saved when you use this feature.  Settings that will be saved are:

• Text wrapping
• Margins
• Borders
• Link to
• Image size
• Watermark effect

The defaults are saved uniquely for each blog account.  That means if you have Writer configured to multiple blog accounts you can specify settings for images that are unique to each account. 

And for those of you who tend to get a little crazy formatting your images and take it a little to far, it's easy to wipe the slate clean and start over by clicking "Revert to default settings" at the bottom on the Image Properties sidebar.  This will remove any changes that you've applied to the image and set it back to whatever the images defaults are for that account.

If you changed the image setting defaults for your account and want to change them back to the defaults used by Writer do the following:

• Set "Text wrapping" to "Left"
• Set "Margins" to "No Margins"
• Set "Borders" to "Drop Shadow"
• Set "Link to" to "Source"
• Set "Image size" to "Small"
• Remove any watermark effects
• Click "Save settings as default"

Always wanted to know how popular you are on the Internet? With StarFactor you'll be able to find out with one click.

StarFactor is a Facebook application that calculates your StarFactor by using Live Search results. The more results Live Search finds on the web about you, the higher your StarFactor. Once you know your own StarFactor, you can check out your friends’ StarFactor by inviting them. And try to beat them!

In case someone else with the same name shows up in your StarFactor results, you can easily refine them so that only relevant search results are showing up linked to your profile. Not satisfied with your StarFactor? Try to boost it by sharing stories, pictures or videos on the world wide web.

This is my StarFactor for the moment...I bet it won't be difficult to beat this? Just add StarFactor now if you're curious...

- Carole Vincke (Marketing Executive)

MIX08

Today at Microsoft's MIX08 conference, Hard Rock demonstrated their Hard Rock memorabilia site that uses Microsoft Silverlight and other technologies originally from Microsoft Research. LiveSide and others explain it in more detail, but the photo I have here I got to by navigating to Location then Europe. The car is a Trabant from East Germany that was used by U2 during their Zoo TV tour. 

- Brian Groth (Windows Live product manager)
[None ]
View original post | Add to del.icio.us| Updated 5 months ago | Share

Well every once-in-awhile something comes along that seems too good to be true but  REALLY IS TRUE!  This is one of those times.  

 Today we announced the WW English availability of Office Live Workspace and the kickoff of our sweepstakes, which will award $100,000 to one lucky winner.  Now you can get access to an incredible product that lets you –
 

• Post documents and files to your own private online area
• Access them from home, work, school, an Internet café or from almost anywhere you have an Internet connection
• Invite whoever you want from wherever they are into your space – you decide who can view and edit your stuff
• And you can even share your screen with others in real-time enabling your selected group to get things done together in one place at the same time no matter where you each are

This is truly cool stuff.  And get this – it’s completely free.  No strings attached.  I kid you not.
 
And it gets better.  
 
When you sign up for an Office Live Workspace you are entered for a chance to win $100,000 that you can use to pay for an education, start a business, donate to a charity.  Your choice.  Plus, we’re awarding over 30,000 other prizes.  Yes, 30,000 - including Xbox 360® Elite Video Game Systems, Samsung™ Blackjack II Smartphone devices, 30-gigabyte Zunes, Expedia® Hotel and Package Coupons, Office® Professional 2007 and numerous other prizes.  A ton of great stuff!
 
So that’s the deal.  A great free product that I bet you’ll love.  A chance to win over 30,000 super sweet prizes including $100,000.  No strings attached.  
 
Check it out at http://officeliveoffers.com/Workspace/sweepstakes/ and sign up today.  You’ll be glad you did.

Scott

(Legal stuff, just in case:- NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.  Open only to legal residents of 50 US (includes DC) 18+.  Sweepstakes ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on May 11, 2008.  Official Rules.  Opt-out here.  Winner notification will be sent by prizenotification@officeliveworkspacesweepstakes.com and you must respond within 3 days to claim your Daily and Overall Prize Period prizes.)

Recently, my sister in India, was switching jobs after 11 years with the same company. She wanted to take all her personal documents, ranging from resume, contact list, Intl trip information for various countries, event management documents, school work etc. from her work PC to her home computer. Her solution was to email herself and her husband most of the documents. The remainder of the documents went in a thumb drive, which she bought specifically for this purpose. She chuckled 'I wish it was easier to keep all this in one place and be able to get to it from anywhere.'
 
Now I am delighted to have an answer for her – Office Live Workspace!

Today, we are announcing the public availability of Office Live Workspace to English-speaking users worldwide. With this, English-speaking users can use this service for free and access and share their documents and other information online anywhere globally. We look forward to adding additional languages this year too!

On another note, last night in New York , in advance of the worldwide availability announcement, Jeremy Piven, actor and star of the TV show Entourage, along with Entourage’s series creator and executive producers, made an appearance at Microsoft's New York City lounge to 'test drive’ the new technology and give a live demonstration of how an episode could be written using Microsoft Office Live Workspace.

Finally, we’re proud that the early beta has been chosen by the editors of CNET Webware.com as a finalist in the 2008 Webware 100 Awards.  If you’ve enjoyed beta testing Office Live Workspace so far, please let us know by voting at:

http://www.webware.com/html/ww/100/2008/vote_prod.html?compid=103408

Thanks for all the great feedback.  We hope new users from other parts of the globe will let us know what you like and don’t like in the community forums!

 Scott is an esssdett (that's phonetic for SDET) on the OfficeLive Workspace team. In this video, he explains what an SDET does, and why he enjoys his job.

 The cool thing about building software services on the web is that you can deliver surprises (hopefully pleasant ones!) to your customers without asking them to install new software or change the way they work.

Today is one of those days for Office Live Workspace as we “go live” with our first feature update since we launched last December. We listened to the great feedback and suggestions you made over the last few months and here’s what you’ll find when you use your Office Live Workspace today:

• A new Activity pane to help you keep track of what’s happening in your workspaces and email notifications so you always know when the people you share with make updates. This feature is a lot of fun and makes it easy to see at glance the changes happening in your workspace and in individual documents. Now you’ll know when someone comments on your document, adds a note, or updates an important list.
  
  
• New support for adding multiple documents to your workspaces. The Add multiple documents button makes it is easier than ever to bring your documents into a workspace by browsing and selecting files from your computer or dragging and dropping files on the document uploader.
  
  
• New permalinks for sharing direct hyperlinks to your workspaces and documents. Now you can bookmark individual workspaces and items in your workspace using the “add to favorites” tool in your web browser or copy the address bar and paste those links into emails to share with others.
  
  
• A new Share workspace UI to easily invite others to your workspace. With the improved address book buttons you can quickly add people from your Windows Live addresses book (contacts from Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger) and people you have shared with before. You can also include more details in your invitation with the larger message box and choose to CC yourself on the invitation.

Of course we also made a bunch of other little fixes and improvements, such as long Comments, and an updated Office Live add-in which supports Microsoft Office 2007 SP1.  We appreciate all the feedback we’ve heard from you since Office Live Workspace launched and hope you like what you see today.  Let us know what you think!

Last night (our time) our colleagues from the Virtual Earth / Live Maps team announced an update to the service including a lot of new cities in Europe that now have Birds Eye view and also some that have 3D view. The new and updated Birds Eye Cities include London, Mulhouse, Parma, Nancy, San Marino, Porto, Lisbon, ... see below for the full list. For the 3D view the cities are Vannes (France) and Southampton (UK).

Here's a Birds Eye view from our office in London for instance. If you don't know what Birds Eye or 3D looks like, then take a look around London for instance on http://maps.live.com and you'll see notifications on the map when Birds Eye or 3D are available for the map you're looking at. Enjoy!

Here's the full list of New/Updated Birds Eye Cities in Europe:

• London, UK
• Medway Towns Urban Area, UK
• Islwyn, UK
• Leighton-Buzzard, UK
• Londonderry, UK
• Galway, Ireland
• Reims, France
• Besancon, France
• Chalon, France
• Strasbourg, France
• Belfort, France
• Colmar, France
• Metz, France
• Mulhouse, France
• Nancy, France
• Troyes, France
• Parma (integration), France
• BustArsizio/Legnano, Italy
• Alghero, Italy
• Como, Italy
• Empoli, Italy
• Enna, Italy
• Frosinone, Italy
• Gorizia, Italy
• Isernia, Italy
• Mantova (integration), Italy
• Nuoro, Italy
• Oristano, Italy
• Foligno, Italy
• Marsala, Italy
• Modica, Italy
• Siracusa, Italy
• Varese, Italy
• Vittoria, Italy
• Rieti, Italy
• San Marino, Italy
• Urbino, Italy
• Verbania, Italy
• VibValentia, Italy
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Faro, Portugal
• Aveiro, Portugal
• Braga, Portugal
• Coimbra, Portugal
• Guimaraes, Portugal
• Leiria, Portugal
• Porto, Portugal
• Setubal, Portugal
• Austria
• Innsbruck, Austria
• Klagenfurt, Austria
• Linz, Austria
• Salzburg, Austria
• St. Polten (Sankt Pelten), Austria
• Villach, Austria
• Wels, Austria
• Lüdenschied, Germany
• Bergen, Norway
• Stavanger, Norway
• Herning, Denmark
• Horsens, Denmark
• Silkeborg, Denmark
• Vejle, Denmark
• Arrecife, Spain
• Santa Lucia de Tiranjana, Spain
• Hamnlinna, Finland
• Mouscron (Mouskroen), Belgium

- Kris Hoet (Marketing Manager)
[Maps ]
View original post | Add to del.icio.us| Updated 6 months ago | Share

Here's the official word:

We are aware that some customers may be experiencing difficulty accessing their Windows Live accounts. We're actively investigating the cause and are working to take the appropriate steps to remedy the situation as rapidly as possible. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and disruption this may be causing our customers.

Hey all you Messenger lovers!  Everyone loves games, so we wanted to tell you about the Windows Live Messenger Jigsaw Too Sweepstakes going on now through February 28th, 2008 on MSN Games.

You can play the sweeps every day to see if you are an instant winner of a one month free subscription to the Instant Games Clubhouse which grants you all access to exclusive games on Messenger!  Also, you will automatically be entered to win a chance at the Grand Prize which is a Canon Powershot digital camera prize package.   We'll be giving away 3 Grand Prizes, so there are even more chances for you to be a big winner! 

If you haven't played Messenger Jigsaw Too: Photo Edition yet, you have to go check it out. You can upload your own pictures from your "My Pictures" folder right into the Jigsaw Too: Photo Edition game and bammo....you and your friends are putting together your favorite pics from that awesome trip you took together!  Pretty sweet, huh?

Now, go play and stay tuned for our next sweepstakes in March '08.  You can win a 50" plasma screen TV!!

View original post | Add to del.icio.us| Updated 6 months ago | Share

Four days ago, we made the announcement that SkyDrive - our online storage service - was coming out of beta and launched in another 36 additional countries! Not only that, the storage is now five times bigger - that's 5GB of free online storage for you.

Here is the full list of countries. In addition to Great Britain, India, and the U.S., we’re live in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Turkey.

Check it out right here: http://skydrive.live.com/

- Kris Hoet (Marketing Manager)
[SkyDrive ]
View original post | Add to del.icio.us| Updated 6 months ago | Share