Microsoft updates Windows Live

Singapore - Microsoft has launched its latest version of Windows Live with a new set of online services and the software giant also said it is working on its integration with multiple third-party sites.

Windows currently has 460 million Windows Live customers and it has collaborated with Flickr, LinkedIn, Pandora Media, Photobucket, Twitter, WordPress and Yelp to integrate their activities into Windows Live though a new profile and What's New feed. The refreshed Windows Live also helps users organize and manage information.

Other than its partnership with web companies, Microsoft also announced a global alliance with HP, China Telecom Corporation and Starhub to deliver Windows Live services to more people globally. HP will distribute Windows Live Photo Gallery with its consumer printers starting next year, providing consumer with an end-to-end photo management and printing solution. StarHub's mobile customers too will have access to Windows Live Messenger on their mobile phones.

"It is estimated that Asia currently accounts for 40% of all online users. As of March 2008, there were 2.7 million registered internet users in Singapore alone. As these numbers continue to grow and more people get online, it is imperative that they have the best online experience so that they can share and communicate more easily," Microsoft's Sanjay Chheda, regional VP, consumer & online, greater APAC,said.

This next generation of Windows Live will be launched over the coming weeks and will be made available globally in 54 countries and in 48 languages from 13 December 2008.