Windows Live Hotmail Launches
Although this was something that has been imminent for a month, had already happened in other countries, and everyone knew was coming today, it’s still great to note that Windows Live Hotmail has launched. After a long beta process, what was Kahuna, then Live Mail, and now Hotmail, has become Microsoft’s official web-based email software, marking a new generation for the world’s most used email service.
One thing that returns with the launch of Live Hotmail is the Outlook connector, which allows Outlook to connect with Hotmail accounts to use the desktop software with the webmail account. It’s enormously convenient, and something that had been taken away from free Hotmail users, and the return is a wonderful thing for everybody.
Also coming in the next few weeks: Windows Live Mail. Now, don’t freak out, it isn’t another name change (as of just a bunch of weeks ago, Live Hotmail was Live Mail), but rather a new name for the Live desktop email client. Since Live Mail became Live Hotmail, someone must have realized that Windows Live Mail Desktop didn’t need such a crappy name, and it is now called Windows Live Mail. Great move. It is the only free email client that will work with Live Hotmail accounts, and will replace Windows Vista Mail (which is fine, since it has much better features).
Also, all new Hotmail accounts will be on the Live Hotmail system, meaning there is no way to get an old Hotmail account anymore. No one on the old Hotmail is being forced over, and probably will not be for a long time, but new users get introduced to the wonderful new interface Live Hotmail brings.
