MSN To Offer Integrated Desktop
In the next version of MSN software Microsoft will unveil an integrated desktop to collaborate with the extremely popular MSN Internet service. Coming in late May, the preview will give consumers a good idea of the final plans for the software, which will be released in the fall. Much like AOL, MSN Internet Service will feature a client that is built on top of Internet Explorer with an entire army of features and functions.
Since late last year rumors had been circulating about a secret project at the Redmond campus entitled "Mars." After ZDNet's John Dvorak broke the story in one of his columns late February, the software giant was forced to reveal its secret plans for the mystical "integrated desktop" idea.
When BetaNews and ActiveWin collaborated to give readers the inside scoop on the software, representatives of Microsoft stated "Mars is a codename for a project designed to simplify and enhance the Internet experience for MSN users." Later this month users will get a preview of that simplified experience.
BetaNews was able to obtain several screenshots of the prototype at that time, and can now further explain the functionality of the vibrant and colorful interface.
After a rather intuitive, and computer-newbie-friendly login screen (shown below), users are invited to enjoy the colors and full functionality of this "integrated desktop" Internet service software.
The client will have toolbar buttons for Hotmail, MSN Messenger, Message Center, and MSN MoneyCentral. The toolbar will also show which users are online in your buddy list, and send notification when they enter or exit.
The new MSN will also feature a My Sidebar-like area where users will have access to news, shopping, auction, travel, and the personal MSN File Cabinet. Audio and video are integrated into the browser, and the File Cabinet will offer up to 30 MB of storage to make sharing photos easier.
While the service is still available without the 5.25 MB download, users will not have access to the integrated portal services and other enhanced cosmetic and functional features offered in the client Internet Explorer.
The new interface could be a completely different product, as these screenshots were obtained in February. However, if the interface is similar, if not the same, you can get a feel for the new layout.
Dvorak stated back in February, "The current MSN.com has a shallow feel. MSN Mars is worse" in his article, and then continued on to say, "Microsoft simply doesn't have the wherewithal and creativity to do anything remotely original and compelling. I know for a fact that other more creative and usable original designs for the newest MSN.com iteration were rejected"
Time will tell how the new MSN will hold up with consumers, who are forever searching for the simpler, yet more interesting interface. MSN Mars definitely holds to these ideals of concentrating functions into one area, whilst somehow managing to avoid the typical drab shades of gray and evermore drab buttons.
But is the new Mars interface simply overboard? Inherently, we the consumers will decide the fate of MSN and its struggling chat client. Hopefully, the newly designed and colorized interface will appeal to the newbie market and MSN will be able to capitalize.
Visit MSN.com for more information.