As we all know, the “Windows Live” brand has been used for a wide variety of Microsoft products, such as Windows Live Essentials, web-based services such as Hotmail, SkyDrive, and Messenger, and Windows Live ID. Today, Microsoft revealed that it is re-branding the Windows Live for the Windows operating system into whats now called Microsoft Account.
“Microsoft account is our identity service for individuals who use Microsoft products and services. You can use your Microsoft account to sign in to your Windows 8 PC, and then use the same account to check your billing for services like Xbox LIVE, Zune, and the Windows 8 app store,” Microsoft explains. Connected to your Microsoft Account is your contact list, calendar, inbox, instant messages, and cloud storage, which is shared across Windows Phone, Windows 8, Hotmail, Messenger, and SkyDrive. Not only does every Microsoft Account receive a SkyDrive, but every LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter contact is connected to your Microsoft Account. These changes will take effect over the next several months but will happen just in time for Windows 8’s final release. Why you ask? Because Windows Live isn’t “a truly connected experience.”
Several “Windows Live” apps have also been renamed. For example, Windows 8 will have Mail, Calendar, People, Photos, Messaging, and SkyDrive, rather than the Windows Live Messenger or Windows Live Calendar branding.
