Microsoft readying fresh Hotmail updates

Microsoft is promising more updates to Hotmail, having only just completed a global refresh.

Dick Craddock, group programme manager for Windows Live Hotmail, said in a blog post that following that launch Microsoft had continued to modify the client and is adding further enhancements over the next few weeks.

"We are beginning today to roll out new features and highlight new partners that will continue to address the customer needs we focused on this summer," he said.

Perhaps one of the most significant additions is the ability to chat to Facebook friends from within the Hotmail Messenger client.

Craddock said that this would make it easier for the 250 million people who use both services to stay in touch with friends. This will initially roll out in Europe, including the UK.

Other additions include easier picture sharing, and Microsoft has rolled out its SkyDrive service for sending large amounts of media by email worldwide. The maximum size of attachments has been raised to 25MB per email.

Two new video sites - Dailymotion and Justin.tv - have been added to the list that can be embedded in emails, joining Hulu and YouTube.

"We believe that these features will [offer] a more efficient email experience that saves time and is more fun to use," said Craddock.

"During the rollout, we want everything to go smoothly as new features are added, so we will start by upgrading a small percentage of our accounts, and as the kinks are worked out, quickly roll the features out to everyone.

"This process will take a few weeks so, if you don't see the new features right away, rest assured that they'll arrive soon."