Microsoft launches Windows Live Search

BANGALORE: Microsoft Corp. has announced the release from beta of Windows Live Search and of Live.com in 47 markets worldwide, and final availability of Windows Live Local Search in the UK and the U.S.

Microsoft also announced that Windows Live Search will now power the Web search capability on MSN, the company’s media and entertainment portal, attracting more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month.

“The launch of Windows Live Search is a significant milestone for our services business, with our core search and monetization platform ready for prime time for MSN and Windows Live as well as for partners through syndication deals,” said Christopher Payne, corporate vice president of Windows Live Search at Microsoft.

The Redmond, Washington-based IT giant has made a number of changes to its Windows Live offerings, including pushing some services out of beta and adding new features to others.

“We now have the base to weave search through our services in ways that bring value to customers. This is just the beginning. We look forward to continued investment in search to deliver services that bring new levels of control and personalization to the Web experience,” Payne added.

“Most users are looking for the quickest and most relevant information. Live Search helps address those needs by bringing together more powerful search tools and better results. Live Search gives the user control and personalization to get relevant results, thereby setting a higher standard for online search,” said Jaspreet Bindra, country manager, MSN India & Windows Live.

Extensive feedback and ongoing testing of each beta service has led to marked improvements in the user interface and the overall customer experience. These Windows Live milestones represent the first of several more to come this fall that will demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to building and delivering services that bring new levels of control and personalization to the Web experience.

By using Live.com as their personal search home page, customers can harness the power of Windows Live Search to find, customize and track news, images, video, RSS feeds and blogs across the Web.

Windows Live Local Search will offer increased availability of bird’s-eye imagery, improved mobile integration and functionality, and other user interface improvements and customization tools.

These services are now available in select international markets, in which feature availability and beta status will vary.

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