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Windows Live Spaces Set for July Debut

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

June 26, 2006, 12:03 PM

UPDATED Microsoft said Friday that it was preparing to migrate its Spaces blogging service to its Windows Live brand, and with the change the company will add new features and tighter integration with other Windows Live services.

No specific date for the switch has been announced, but it is expected in July.

The most notable of the new features is a "Friends Module," which Microsoft had in limited testing for the past several months. The addition would allow a user to create a list of friends similar to Friendster or MySpace, making Spaces more competitive with social networking services.

Banner ads will replace the current method of using text ads across the top of the site. Microsoft has said in the past that advertising would support the Windows Live service, keeping it free. However, an option is provided to turn off the ads by subscribing to the Hotmail Plus service.

Functionality changes include customizable navigation, Windows Live Gadgets integration, as well as the ability to place one's title and tagline anywhere on the page. Additionally, Microsoft plans to change the URL of members' spaces upon the switch to Windows Live, however no details were given.

Announcement of the migration comes shortly after news that MSN Spaces saw record traffic in April. According to comScore Networks, the site counted 101 million visitors that month, making it the most widely used blogging service.

Add a Comment (9 Comments)

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By X-Evolutionist

edited Jul 13, 2006 - 5:22 PM

I have a MSN Space. I am very much looking forward to the new features. I was surfing right now trying to find out when the changeover will be.

http://x-evolutionist.spaces.msn.com/

Score: 0

By beautifulivy

edited Jul 6, 2006 - 3:38 PM

Oh I cannot wait, so far I like the look of live messenger cannot wait to try live spaces, and to see what it has to offer my creativeness. Isn't there a way that I can try it before it is released? Its already july I do not want to wait any longer.

Score: 0

By rohit.nitrkl

edited Jun 30, 2006 - 9:02 PM

well if its gonna be myspace
+ windows live....(minus the domain change)..i'm all for it...can't wait actually...

Score: 0

By womfalcs7

posted Jun 27, 2006 - 6:33 PM

I've been using MSN Spaces like a legitimate blogging service like Google's Blogger...and I realize that was a mistake.

I don't want to start all over with another website, and this definitely sucks. Why is Microsoft drifting into MySpace? I hate MySpace, it's a waste of internet bandwidth and storage.

I want it to be more like a blogger, where blogs are the focal point, not a "friends module".

Score: 0

By slegler

edited Jun 27, 2006 - 11:45 AM

This is good news for Microsoft and the Windows Live Spaces! Comparing MSN Spaces to MySpaces - I believe MySpaces currently has more features; however, the usability and the look and feel is better on MSN Spaces.

I am anxious to see what Windows Live Gadgets will bring to the Windows Live Spaces.

Stephen Legler
http://www.SoftwareExpressions.com

Score: 0

By lapytsh

posted Jun 27, 2006 - 2:24 AM

I am very exciting bue the Windows Live Spaces, I really want to see it in action asap !

See you

http://www.lapytsh.com

Score: 0

By Velocition

posted Jun 26, 2006 - 5:28 PM

"Banner ads will replace the current method of using text ads across the top of the site. Microsoft has said in the past that advertising would support the Windows Live service, keeping it free. However, an option is provided to turn off the ads by subscribing to the Hotmail Plus service."

Or, you can get it for free, using Adblock Plus.

Adblock Plus vs. Hotmail Plus - Round One!