I found this on the Microsoft site and was wondering what do you guys think?
Windows Live Link
What is Windows Live?
Your online world gets better when everything works simply and effortlessly together. That's the basic idea behind Windows Live. So the things you care about—your friends, the latest information, your e-mails, powerful search, your PC files, everything—comes together in one place. This is a brand new Internet experience designed to put you in control. And this is just the beginning—you'll see many more new services in the coming months.
What is Windows Live Ideas?
Windows Live Ideas is where you can check out the very latest Windows Live products—so new that they're not even finished yet. So give them a try and then tell us exactly what you think. And don't hold back. We need your help to make these products the best they can be.
These are some of the features of Windows Live:
Windows Live Search beta
Windows Live Search beta makes it easy to find the information you want. No matter what you’re looking for—music, images, the closest pizzeria to your hotel, something you thought you read online a month ago—you’ll simply find it faster.
Look out google, here comes Microsoft. It’s a matter of testing it to see if it works for you I guess.
Live.com beta
Have your way with this page. Sign in, get the content you want—news, sports, search results, whatever—add columns, and move stuff around at will. It’s all you.
This would be the equivalent of my yahoo web page where you can see you emails, get news reports, funny pages, stock market and more. Looks interesting.
Windows Live Toolbar beta
This super-handy tool lets you search from any Web page. It also helps block pop-up ads, and warns you when it looks like you might be the target of an identity theft scam.
This must be the next update to the MSN toolbar for IE. I use google often but if it works why not?
Windows Live Expo beta
Expo is an online social marketplace where you can exchange goods, ideas or information with anyone you choose, anywhere you want. And it just might change your idea of what an online community can be.
Now this sounds interesting, it’s like combining eBay and the classified section.
Windows Live Messenger beta
This will be the next-generation MSN Messenger. The name is new, but it will still be free to download Messenger and use most of its features. And there will be some remarkable new ways to instantly share and connect with friends.
MSN Messenger under another name, will this be version 8? I am curious to see what new features it will bring.
Windows Live Mail beta
It’s all-new Web mail, built from the ground up. Preview your e-mail without loading a new page each time (like Outlook®) drag and drop messages into folders, and generally power through your e-mail in a flash.
This is basically hotmail under another name I guess. Oh well, hotmail works fine for me.
Windows OneCare Live beta
This PC care service is always on, running quietly in the background. It helps give you round-the-clock protection and maintenance—virus scanning, firewalls, tune ups, file backups, the whole nine yards. Delivered to you in a smooth, hassle-free package.
Finally a virus and spyware system from Microsoft. I would think if anyone knew how to protect Windows files from viruses, Trojans and other malware, it would be Microsoft.
Windows Live Local beta
Advanced, easy-to-read maps, directions, and satellite photos? Sure, but that’s just the beginning. You can also get bird’s eye views of most major U.S. cities, see multiple destinations on one map, and customize your map views.
So this will be kinda like a combination of google earth and the yellow pages. If it can really be very detailed as it claims then it sounds good to me. I have tried similar things and the detail sucks or you can’t find anything on specific places in the US.
Windows Live Safety Center beta
Stop by this free online service station regularly to help protect your computer and keep it in tip-top shape. Get virus cleaning and a comprehensive PC health checkup any time you need it.
This is a pretty neat feature. To be able to access a free anti-virus site online if you didn’t have a anti-virus program on the PC you are currently using and updated at all times.
Windows Live Favorites beta
You are away from your own computer and want to get to the important sites you use everyday? No problem, now that your Internet Explorer Favorites can travel with you.
This sounds promising. To think how useful this could have been so many times before when I access the internet from another PC and couldn’t remember that site that I had on my Fav list.
Windows Live Search beta – mobile
Picture this: You search for a restaurant with your phone, then click on the result to be connected immediately. Plus, you can see detailed maps, driving directions, and more—all formatted to fit the screen on your mobile device.
Windows Live Custom Domains
If you've got a domain (like example.com) we'll set you up with your own personal e-mail address (like you@example.com), with lots of storage and easy Web access to your inbox. And best of all, it's free.
So basically Microsoft is now web-hosting, though it is limited, sounds like a good idea for a small business.
Microsoft Office Live beta
What’s Invisi-Business? It’s what happens when your business lacks a viable Web presence, rendering it virtually invisible to potential customers. Enter Microsoft Office Live beta, to give you a Web site, company e-mail, and more.
Here it’s giving you the ability to connect your Office software to your business website for better use of your software and website. Not bad, gotta wonder on the price though. Still, for business purpose, it looks pretty good.