New Windows Live Client, Service

A new desktop client for editing and posting digital photos and a long-rumored online file storage service both entered closed beta tests in June 2007. The desktop client, Windows Live Photo Gallery, is the latest example of how Windows Live is implementing Microsoft’s “software plus services” strategy and competes against Google’s Picasa client and service. The file-storage service, Windows Live Folders, could be useful for document sharing, but offers less space than competing services.

Photo Gallery: Software plus Service

Windows Live Photo Gallery offers essentially the same organizational and editing functions as Vista’s built-in Photo Gallery application, which serves as an alternative to the software most digital camera makers bundle with their cameras. However, Windows Live Photo Gallery adds one major new feature: a link for users to upload digital photos to the Windows Live Spaces blogging site. It will be available as a free upgrade to Vista’s Photo Gallery, and also as a free add-on for Windows XP—the first time Microsoft has offered Photo Gallery for that OS. The product is currently in closed beta, with release expected in late 2007 or early 2008.