Microsoft will be moving its Web search service – now dubbed Windows Live Search – from beta to final, starting on September 12. Windows Live Search is the renamed and revamped replacement for MSN Search. Windows Live Search is powering the search on MSN.com, as well as on Windows Live.com – another Live property that Microsoft made available in final form, starting on September 12. Live.com is a customizable home page that users can use for search, as well as to track news, RSS feeds and blogs, images and video.

Microsoft officials also announced on September 11 that Windows Live Local Search, which provides bird's-eye imagery and mobile search, will be moving from beta to final release status in the U.S. and the U.K. on September 12. Microsoft will stage the migration from beta to final of Windows Live Search between September 12 and September 14, said Derrick Connell, general manager of Microsoft' search business unit. The current plan it to move five percent of its search properties to the final Windows Live Search code on Tuesday; another 25 percent on Wednesday; and the rest on Thursday, he said.

Full story: MicrosoftWatch
Homepage: Windows Live