Microsoft Improves Live Local, Opens Expo
Microsoft continued to push ahead with updates to its Windows Live services Tuesday, announcing a preview version of Live Local that would allow for street-level views of select neighborhoods, along with a nationwide beta of Windows Live Expo. New services are also expected later in the week.
The updates to Windows Live Local are intended to supplement Microsoft's local search and mapping tools. "As an additional navigational tool, the street-side feature offers a vantage point similar to driving behind the wheel of a car for a close-up, street-level view," the company said in a statement.
At launch, only the downtown areas of Seattle and San Francisco feature street-level imagery. The technology behind the feature is supplied by a company called Facet Technology, which has taken over 700 million high-resolution images -- some 200 terabytes of data.
Several dozen metropolitan areas have been photographed by the company, which could provide some clues as to what areas Microsoft may look to add next.
A nationwide beta of Windows Live Expo will also appear Tuesday, following a successful closed beta period. The service, which operates much like Craigslist, differs in the fact that it adds social networking to the traditional classified advertising concept.
Expo will integrate with other Windows Live services, including Live Local, allowing a user to narrow down searches and find items within a certain distance.
Through the Live Messenger instant messaging client, users would be able to discover new listings through "gleams" next to their buddies names. MSN Spaces integration is also planned, with the capability to post one's own listings on their Space through an optional module.
To facilitate communication between buyer and seller, an option is provided that allows buyers to instant message the seller through MSN and Windows Live Messenger.
In the initial Expo beta the seller would receive a dialog box asking whether or not they would accept messages; in the future an IM bot will handle the conversation allowing for complete anonymity and also indicating the message involves a Live Expo listing.
Both beta services are expected to become available Tuesday evening to the general public.