Microsoft unveils new blog tools

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[b]Microsoft unveils new blog tools[/b]
[font=\"Arial\"][i]Microsoft on Wednesday unveiled a new set of Web-based services allowing users of its MSN service to publish and track each other's blogs.[/i]

The new free blogging service, called MSN Spaces, was launched as a preliminary test service along with newly updated online software for swapping instant messages and sharing photos, the world's largest software maker said.

Blogs, short for "Web logs," have become a popular way for Web users to publish their opinions, observations and information on the Internet to a wide audience.

"This is a simple tool for people to express themselves," said Blake Irving, vice president of communication services at Microsoft's MSN Internet division.

Google, Microsoft's new main rival in online search and Web-based services, also has a popular blogging service called Blogger that the Web search company bought in 2003.

MSN Spaces users will be able to customize the layout of their blogs, post digital pictures, create music and book lists, and also control who has access to their blogs.

Using a centralized contacts database that will be shared between Microsoft's MSN Hotmail free e-mail and MSN Messenger services, users will also be able to better track new blog postings, Irving said.

MSN Spaces will be available in 14 languages, Microsoft said.

Microsoft also updated its MSN Messenger service, used to send instant text messages back and forth over the Internet.

Among the new features is the ability to jiggle a message recipient's screen to grab their attention, send search queries to MSN Search and track whether a Messenger user's blog has been updated.

Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft said it is offering all of these services, including its Hotmail e-mail service, for free in order to attract users to its Web properties and sell advertising.

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