Microsoft to Retire Windows Live Brand Ahead of Windows 8 Launch - clinehameaced

Microsoft will retire the Windows Live brand as it gets ready to release what it describes As a more connected set of online consumer services with the launch of its Windows 8 in operation system.

Its vision for a set of tightly woven services and desktop applications that Microsoft distinct when it disclosed Windows Live in 2005 hasn't been fully realized, the company aforementioned on Wednesday.

Right now, services like its Hotmail webmail avail, SkyDrive storage service and Courier IM service aren't as closely meshed as they should exist with Windows Lively desktop software the likes of Photo Gallery and Film maker, nor with the Windows Live Gem State account armed service, Microsoft said in a web log post.

The Desktop Is in the Way?

The trouble lies with Windows background operating systems, which heretofore seaport't been designed to fully interact with mottle services. Microsoft expects that post to exchange with Windows 8, which is being designed to work non just with screen background and laptop computer PCs but also tablets and other devices. For exemplar, Windows 8 features a parvenue substance abuser user interface named Metro, which uses a roofing tile intent and is optimized for touch interfaces.

"Windows 8 provides us with an opportunity to reimagine our approach to services and software and to design them to exist a coherent part of the Windows experience, comprehensible in Windows desktop apps, Windows Tube style apps, monetary standard web browsers, and happening mobile devices. Now the expectation is that a modern device comes with services as fortunate as apps for communicating and sharing. There is no 'separate mark' to conceive nearly or a separate serving to install–information technology is all included when you turn on your PC first," reads the blog post, authored by Chris Jones, a frailty president in the Windows Be group.

Close to of the changes in the pipeline for the approach months include a rebranding of Windows Live ID as Microsoft Account, along with cover-end changes intended to make the chronicle help the main door into a comprehensive set of online services that can be accessed via Web browsers but also synchronized and replicated through and through Windows Phone devices and Windows 8 PCs and tablets.

In Windows 8 machines, pre-installed applications that will have both topical anesthetic and cloud components include Microsoft Account, SkyDrive, Mail, Calendar, People (contacts), Electronic messaging and Photos/Videos.

Along the way, Microsoft leave shed their alive name calling, including Windows Live ID, Windows Live Mail, Windows Calendar, Windows Contacts, MSN Messenger, Windows Live Photo Gallery and Filmmaker.

It will too be possible to link the Microsoft History with third-party online services, equivalent LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, in a way that a one-man list of contacts is maintained non only across Microsoft products but is besides augmented by contacts from these other sites.

Microsoft plans to offer more data about this initiative in the coming weeks, including more details about how Skype will well in with this design.

Juan Carlos Perez covers enterprise communication/collaboration suites, operative systems, browsers and general technology breaking news for The IDG News Service. Trace Juan on Twitter at @JuanCPerezIDG.