MSN Announces Explorer 6.1, Delays Slightly

Despite rumors that Microsoft's Brad Chase is leaving the company, MSN is moving full steam ahead. According to Microsoft, over six million people use MSN Explorer and the latest incarnation of the software will soon be released. Explorer consolidates all of MSN's online services into a user-friendly environment meant to compete directly with America Online. MSN Explorer 6.1 features several minor upgrades and additional functionality. As Microsoft ventures further down the Dot Net path - MSN Explorer users can expect broader changes.

Internet Explorer, an MSN Instant Messenger client, MSN Internet access, and music software are components of the software. MSN portal content is also integrated. The installation of MSN Explorer will be enhanced in version 6.1, and it should be easier for customers to access all of these features.

Enhanced customization allows users to retract toolbars such as the "my stuff" bar. The e-mail editor now has expanded functionality, a spell checker has been included, and an offline mode is now available. Additionally, fifty e-mails can now be viewed per page, and a Hotmail account may be used to log in for Internet access.

Hotmail and Passport integration in the latest release signals a move toward future Microsoft initiatives. Microsoft Hailstorm will tie Microsoft's Instant Messenger to Web-based applications and services. Hailstorm is billed as a way to allow users to manage personal data - transforming instant messaging into a productive platform. Microsoft has promised major changes for MSN Explorer 7.0, and one can only draw the conclusion that future releases will include even more product integration.