The Spaces Race Continues
Microsoft announced a re-working of their MSN Spaces blog community today. The new destination is called Windows Live Spaces. The new name is in line with Microsoft's other products in the Windows Live brand such as Windows Live Messenger (nee MSN Messenger) and Windows Live Mail (nee Hotmail).
In addition to some new page themes, the "upgrade" includes more comprehensive customization options like photo galleries, music players and integrated chat. Microsoft serves up these easy to install personalized gadgets to its users from the Windows Live Gallery site. Bloggers can build out their page by adding weather information, podcast players, video players and chat tools, as well as games like poker, sudoku and Scrabble.
It's safe to say that Microsoft is looking to compete directly with MySpace, but they can't really approach the MySpace hipness factor. What they do have going for them — which is enough to secure a solid second place for the time being — is the heavy integration and interoperability with Microsoft's browser and desktop tools. Also, each of the Windows Live services share an address book called Live Contacts — contact info for various blogging buddies, email pen pals and chat partners are stored in a central location.
Microsoft also has an edge up on MySpace with their new privacy features. Live Spaces users can decide who is and is not allowed to contact them using their Live Contacts list. Users can also block access to their blog, their photos or their contact information.
Windows Live Spaces launched late last night. If you have an old MSN Spaces blog, your URL stays the same. Users will simply be redirected to a new page that reflects the new brand.
