Windows Live hopes Wave 3 is a good ride

Microsoft on Wednesday said it is ready with a new update to its Windows Live suite of applications.

The so-called Wave 3 releases include updated versions of Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Messenger, and Windows Live Writer, as well as a new online movie making tool (as it hinted it might). Windows Live Movie Maker brings some, but not all of the features found in the movie-making application built into Windows, adding the ability to post videos to Microsoft's Soapbox video-sharing site, but notably not to Google's much larger rival YouTube. (The update to Windows Live Writer, however, does allow videos to be posted to YouTube, as well as Soapbox.)

"You'll find new features across the products and most notably, Windows Live Messenger has been almost entirely redesigned," Windows Live VP Chris Jones said in a blog posting.

The new look for Windows Live Messenger. Of the Windows Live desktop applications, Messenger got the biggest update.

(Credit: Microsoft)

The new programs are in beta form, so Microsoft is warning that people other than advanced users might want to stick with the old versions for a bit.

"Microsoft encourages interested Windows Live customers and the tech-savvy community to test the new features and functionality," the software maker said in a statement. "It is recommended that consumers wait until the products are final before downloading."

In addition to updating the desktop programs, Microsoft is also expected to make updates to its online services--things like Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live Spaces.

Microsoft rolled out its first generation of Windows Live products when Ray Ozzie announced its Live push in November 2005 and started issuing a second generation of products in June 2007.

[Mr. Dee]

Been playing with the Wave 3 products for the past 5 minutes. I must say that Windows Live Photo Gallery and Mail are the most exceptional in terms of user experience. I think Microsoft has a hit on their hands here, just bring all of the features from the built in Movie Maker in Windows into this version. Other wise, I am liking what I am seeing, very clean user experience.

[retssgusa]

Now we can sync calendar data without having to open a browser! Live is coming along very nicely!

[mravichandran]

how to sign up for that?

[Super2online]

Yes, I must say I'm enjoying the new features. Especially in Messenger. There are some nice new conveniences and the integration with the online apps is improving.

[Kearton]

im liking the beta versions especially the photo gallery beta. cant wait for final versions does ne1 know when???

[ramisoft]

woooow

its great

nice thing from microsoft co .

[Biggrazer]

Just wanted to say thanks for the great downloads. I really enjoy coming to the site to see what's happening. Oh bye the way your Beta format ... Awesome!!!

[neco2009]

superrrrr