Mirosoft Goes .Mac with Live Mesh

by , 10:25 AM EDT, April 23rd, 2008

Microsoft introduced its new Web-based Live Mesh service on Wednesday. Live Mesh is a .Mac-like service designed to keep data synchronized across multiple computers and handheld devices.

Live Mesh Technology Preview

Live Mesh is currently available as a technology preview for Windows XP and Windows Mobile users only, but Microsoft plans on extending the service's reach out to Mac and cell phone users, too.

Right now the service includes 5GB of online storage, multi-computer file synchronization, and Live Mesh Remote Desktop which lets users control computers and other devices remotely over the Internet. It also includes an RSS-style service with notifications when Live Mesh content has been added or change, live chats with other Live Mesh users, as well as a handful of other Web-based information features.

So far, Live Mesh sounds similar to Apple's .Mac service, Back to My Mac, Backup, and iSync features. Since Live Mesh is extensible, however, Microsoft is hoping to grow the service into a series of Web-based tools through add-ons created by third party software developers.

Live Mesh requires a Windows Live ID, and the Microsoft has not said if it will charge for any of the Live Mesh services.