Windows Live

Windows Live Logo

Windows Live was a brand name for a set of web services and software products from Microsoft. It was part of the company's software plus services platform. Windows Live was first announced on November 1, 2005, and was gradually phased out by 2012, with some services being integrated into other Microsoft products and services.

Overview

Windows Live was designed to offer a suite of services that could be accessed from any device with an internet connection. The services were intended to complement the Windows operating system and included a variety of tools for communication, sharing, and productivity.

Key Services

Some of the key services that were part of Windows Live included:

• Windows Live Hotmail: An email service that was later rebranded as Outlook.com.
• Windows Live Messenger: An instant messaging client that was eventually replaced by Skype.
• Windows Live SkyDrive: A cloud storage service that was rebranded as OneDrive.
• Windows Live Mail: An email client that was part of the Windows Essentials suite.
• Windows Live Photo Gallery: A photo management and editing application.
• Windows Live Writer: A desktop blog-publishing application.

Integration with Other Services

Windows Live services were integrated with other Microsoft products, such as Microsoft Office and Xbox Live. This integration allowed users to access their data and communicate across different platforms seamlessly.

Discontinuation and Legacy

By 2012, Microsoft began phasing out the Windows Live brand. Many of the services were either discontinued or integrated into other Microsoft offerings. For example, Windows Live Hotmail became Outlook.com, and Windows Live Messenger was replaced by Skype.

Related Pages

• Microsoft
• Windows operating system
• Outlook.com
• Skype
• OneDrive
• Windows Essentials
• Microsoft Office
• Xbox Live