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Windows Live Ideas (Source: www.tecnocino.it )

By YC from the Technocrat Soapbox,
Guest Blogger

Microsoft is accepting Beta Signups for the 'Windows Live' Service . According to the Redmond, WA company, 'Windows Live'

is a new set of Internet software and services designed to put you in control of the information, relationships and interests you care about. Windows Live will make it easier for you to connect with people, and to quickly find the information you need, more safely and securely, whether you're on your PC or on the go. And it's evolving every day...

All the Windows Live tools are in the beta stage, with more on the horizon. Currently, Windows Live consists of:

• Live.com
• Windows Live Mail
• Windows Live Safety Center
• Windows Live Favorites
• Windows OneCare Live
• Windows Live Messenger
• Windows Live Search - mobile
• Windows Live Local
• Office Live

Ever since the PC moved into the home, we have used 'Windows' products in one shape or form. All are separate, some are good (e.g. Windows XP Media Center Edition, Age of Empires), some not so palatable (e.g. IE, FrontPage, Windows 98, .Net). But never has all the tools been united one roof before Google came to town.

'Windows Live' smells of 'desperation' more than 'innovation' (when did Microsoft innovate anyway?). Like the company's entry into the browser and search engine markets, i.e. fashionably late, Microsoft is trying to keep pace with Google, as the Mountain-View company keeps cranking out tools like Google Maps, Google Earth, Google Video, Google Base, Google Talk, and Google Desktop to primarily help people improve their work.

Microsoft, on the other hand, with a net worth of more than $300 billion (or was it $400 billion?), is in a perpetual "Copycat" mode. It befuddles me. Will it kill ya to come up with JUST ONE innovative product once in a while? Where is all that money going to?

I bet things would be even more interesting if Google decides to develop the next PlayStation with Sony. Larry, Sergey, are you listening?

 

Sign up for Windows Live Ideas

Updates from Colbert :

Live.com beta: Basically a web-based information collection centre. It allows you to put the sites that you would like to be organised on the page, get the content pushed to your page, subscribe to the RSS feeds you want.

Windows Live Mail beta: A web-based mail client. It allows you to check your POP email without using any programmes such as Outlook. It allows you drag and drop emails with Google-Mail-esque technology.

Windows Live Safety Centre beta: A free web-based security centre. It provides security information as well as checking and cleaning viruses online.

Windows Live Favorites beta: Take your favourites around the world. This feature allows you to access your favorites online.

Windows Live Messenger beta: Basically a renamed MSN Messenger, but it is supposed to include a lot of new features that allows you to share files and information Currently it’s unavailable.

Windows OneCare Live beta: Another PC protection programme. An all-in-one programme that includes firewall, antivirus, and PC tune-up.

Windows Live Search beta for mobiles: Basically providing information on the Live webpage into your handheld, cellphone and mobile devices.