Microsoft Releases Blogging Tool

WebKnowHow
Monday, August 14, 2006; 02:06 AM

Microsoft released Windows Live Writer - a free piece of software that helps users create and edit blog posts.  Live Writer includes a number of tools for creating good-looking and compelling blog posts, and is compatible with Windows Live Spaces and most popular blog hosting services.

Th included WYSIWYG editor allows users to create and preview their blog posts in exactly the same way they will appear online. Live Writer also includes HTML source-code editing.

Users can insert Windows Live Local maps into theri blog posts via a simple graphical interface.  Maps can be customized directly within Writer - including changing the view to show road, aerial or bird's eye detail and by adding pushpins. Live Writer also includes tools for inserting and editing pictures.

Another feature Microsoft has provided is the Live Writer Software Development Kit.  The SDK allows developers to extend the capabilities of Writer to publish additional content types like video, links from ecommerce sites, and tags.