Microsoft
today announced that
Windows Live Hotmail (screenshots),
the successor to MSN Hotmail, is launching globally in 36 languages. The
web-based client now more closely emulates its software cousin Microsoft
Outlook, with drag-and-drop capabilities, preview pane customization and
auto-complete addressing. A built-in Windows Live Messenger and a more robust
spam blocker have also been added. The service's capacity has been boosted to
2GB of email storage. A paid version, Windows Live Hotmail Plus, is available
for $19.99 a year and allows 4GB storage and other POP3 email accounts into the
service.
Hotmail's much-needed makeover puts it in line with email service offerings from
Google and Yahoo!. Microsoft said the Windows Live Hotmail's beta stage had over
20 million users. Later this month Outlook 2003 and Outlook 2007 customers will
be able to access their Windows Live Hotmail email and contacts for free, using
a beta of Microsoft Office Outlook Connector. Current Hotmail users must upgrade
their accounts before they can use the new service. Contacts and saved
information can be transferred into the new interface.