Microsoft launches new avatar of Windows Live

New Delhi, Nov 15: Microsoft today launched a series of applications that can be downloaded for free through hotmail accounts on the new Windows Live platform.

With applications and services such as Photo Gallery, Writer, Events, Onecare Family Safety, the company is eyeing its 400 million global userbase.

''Through a single ID, be it hotmail or coolhotmail, the user can apply all these features. It is a combination of softwares and applications on a single platform,'' said Microsoft India Country Manager (Online Services Business) Jaspreet Bindra.

The user needs to download Windows Live, a 50 MB application, on personal computers (PCs) and compatible handsets.

The Windows Live Photo Gallery option allows the user to edit pictures online. ''A unique feature in this enables the user to stitch up pictures and create a panoramic view enabling creativity in each one of us,'' company Product Head (Windows Live Services) Samir Saraiya said.

An interesting feature is Windows Live OneCare Family Safety, where users can monitor their children's online activities.

''Parents can restrict sites, types of content and get reports of their children's activity while they are on the computer,'' said Mr Saraiya.

The parent can actually block access to the internet as well, which can be accessed by the child through the ID given by the parent only.

''This way the parents can also monitor who the children are interacting with online,'' he added.

Another feature introduced is the mail service, where the user can actually copy the address book, friends list, event list from his other accounts and use them from a single window.

''The user can choose to send out mails from a specific ID, without having to log on to different sites. He will not be hassled for remembering different passwords,'' Mr Saraiya said.

Taking traditional services and softwares to a new level, the service aims at providing a host of applications and services to the customer under one suite.

When asked about the revenue model, Mr Bindra said monetisation would take place through the advertising route.

The service would be extended to XBox and IPTV. Microsoft had announced its plans of tying up with Reliance for its IPTV services.

The company also said it would be introducing the @live.in ids in the coming weeks.

With broadband speed still remaining an issue, Microsoft plans a host of new services in the coming weeks.

UNI