Microsoft Ramps Up Windows Live Services With Storage And Photo Tools

Microsoft will release in limited beta test phases of Windows Live Photo Gallery and Windows Live Folders this week. Both services are part of its Windows Live Services.

Windows Live Photo Gallery is an update for the Photo Gallery that ships with Vista, though the new version works with XP as well. It is claimed to have a number of enhancements, including a new “stitching” tool and built-in tools for posting photos to Live Spaces, or, in the case of videos, Soapbox.

Windows Live Folders is the so called “Live Drive” backup storage solution. It is easy to use and has almost no problems when tested. It is currently a managed beta and accounts are limited to 500 MB of storage, but that restriction will be lifted as the product moves out of beta. To use the new beta, you’ll need a Windows Live ID, but otherwise the service works quite seamlessly. There are a number of options for sharing files, including options to allow access to the whole web, selected users or keep them totally private.

As part of the announcement, Microsoft has posted an interview with Chris Jones, corporate vice president of Windows Live Experience Program Management. In it Jones outlines some of Microsoft’s strategies for the future of on/offline applications, which Jones refers to as “software plus services.”