Back about a month ago, we gave you a first sneak peek at the upcoming Windows Live web services (or whatever Microsoft calls it now) makeover. Since then, Microsoft had been hard at work to give all of their Windows Live web services a new Metro-styled look, and this includes Hotmail, SkyDrive, as well as Microsoft account (previously Windows Live ID). Recently we were able to obtain a screenshot of their newly revamped Microsoft account website, to be available at http://account.live.com. Check it out below:
As you can see the new Microsoft account website features a much cleaner look, with a slim Metro-style header on the top, as well as navigation items on the left bar. Elements such as text boxes and buttons have also been optimised for touch, and is consistent with Windows 8’s Metro design elements. The navigation has also been re-categorised into five sections:
- Overview – where you can edit your name, email address, personal information, password, security info, or close your account
- Profile – brings you to your profile page at http://profile.live.com
- Notifications – allows you to manage email preferences and marketing preferences
- Permissions – manage your linked accounts, parental permissions, and connect your Microsoft account to other services and accounts (such as Facebook, Twitter…etc.)
- Billing – brings you to your billing page at http://billing.microsoft.com
We understand that the new Metro-styled theme will be applied across all existing Windows Live web services, including Hotmail and SkyDrive. As shown in the screenshot above, the Windows Live branding will be removed from the header. Each service will also have its own unique accent color, for example, SkyDrive’s will have a blue color theme consistent with its Windows 8 app’s Live Tile. You can still navigate between the various web services by pulling down the header navigation menu, as shown below:
The new header is also expected to have web IM integrated, much like the current Windows Live web services. We’re not sure exactly when the new Metro-styled web services will roll out, but in the mean time stay tuned to LiveSide as we’ll have more news coming for the next version of Hotmail, SkyDrive, and other (ex)-Windows Live services.