Microsoft has started the worldwide rollout of its Windows Live Spaces, which updates its widely used MSN Spaces blogging service.
The new service includes social networking features designed to help users discover and connect with friends through their trusted contacts. Users can personalise their Windows Live Spaces with gadgets.
Steve Berkowitz, senior vice-president of the online services group at Microsoft, said: 'Windows Live and internet-based, ad-funded software and services are critical to driving growth for the company, and we are energised about the continued investments we're making to help provide consumers with a seamless and safer online experience.'
Windows Live Spaces will allow users to tell their story and customise their site with blogs, photo albums and music lists. It is designed to connect users to their real social network of friends - people in their Windows Live Contacts list - that is integrated across Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Mail and other services.
Users that are already on one another's Windows Live Messenger contact lists can initiate instant messaging conversations from within Windows Live Spaces.
Expanded social networking opportunities through Windows Live Spaces are balanced by enhanced privacy tools that give users full control over permission settings to specify who can contact them through the service, see their profile information and view the contents of their site.