Windows Live Expo Comes Out of Beta
Microsoft brought its classified listings site out of beta on Wednesday, adding several new features as well as a refresh of the design. In addition, the Redmond company announced plans to launch a beta of Windows Live Expo in the United Kingdom beginning on Thursday.
Traffic has been impressive for a site that has received little, if any promotion from Microsoft since its launch in late February. Last month, Windows Live Expo handled 1.2 milllion unique users, the company told BetaNews.
Expo has been refreshed with the standard Windows Live user interface, including the "orb," a navigational menu that can be opened by clicking the Windows Logo in the upper left hand corner of the page. Microsoft says the changes will make the site easier to use, as well as integrate better with other Live services.
In addition, the company is making an API of Live Expo available to developers. This would allow for access to all the listings on the site, and enable "mash-ups" of data. For example, a developer could superimpose listings over a map, showing the actual location of products for sale. An example of this technology is BlockRocker.com.
Finally, the site now includes driving directions provided by fellow Live service Windows Live Local.
Expo operates much like Craigslist, however it differs in the fact that it adds social networking to the traditional classified advertising concept. It also integrates with other Windows Live services, including Live Local, allowing a user to narrow down searches and find items within a certain distance.
Additionally, through Microsoft's Live Messenger instant messaging client, users would be able to discover new listings through "gleams" next to their buddies' names, with communication capabilities also provided through the client. MSN Spaces integration is also planned, with the capability to post one's own listings on their Space through an optional module.