First Looks at Microsoft's New "Live Mesh" Platform

technirvana writes "Microsoft's Live Mesh service launched today as an invite-only 'technology preview.' It is Microsoft's attempt to tie all of our data together. Live Mesh synchronizes data across multiple devices (currently just Windows computers, but theoretically it will extend to mobile and other devices in the future) as well as to a web desktop that exists in the cloud. It can sync data across devices used by a single users, as well as create shared spaces for multiple users." And since it's run by Microsoft, you know you can trust it.

Comments

like plays for sure?

[bagboy]

"you know you can trust it" Yeah, I'm gonna trust it in about the same fashion.

so it's like... ".mac"?

[phooka.de]

So they "invented" something like .mac by Apple, right? The latter is of course being overpriced and lacking compelling reasons to subscribe, but still, you can access your Mac from anywhere, it offers email, storage etc.

So, anything new here?

Re:so it's like... ".mac"?

[nvivo]

So, anything new here? Yes. Now you can share all your viruses and spyware with your friends and family on your online desktop.

Actually, you could do it already. Microsoft is just making it easier.

Same old, same old

[Anonymous Coward]

Until they decide to close down the service because it isn't viable for whatever reason. Read a previous article where MS is shutting down their music store servers.

Another example of their take-the-money-and-run attitude. Thanks, but no thanks.

sorry your wrong

[peragrin]

It will only work with Windows Mobile devices. Compatibility with any other OS is strictly prohibited by military MSFT doctrine.

This mesh won't work with generic phones, Linux phones, the iPhone, or any one else. Remember it took the EU years in court and a billion dollar fine to just get MSFT to release Networking Protocols.

*note some sarcasm was used above, if you can not detect it your sarcasm meter is broken, or running windows and constantly pegged*

Could be great.

[SkankinMonkey]

Despite the source, this could be a great tool for people if implemented correctly (and free). I already find myself using addons for firefox like FoxMarks to synchronize myself across several desktops/OS`. If this had even limited cross-platform support, or an open-API I'd imagine it could go pretty far.

Re:Could be great.

[Uncle Focker]

If this had even limited cross-platform support, or an open-API I'd imagine it could go pretty far. Did you miss the part where it's a Microsoft product?

This will be great...

[igotmybfg]

... until they turn the servers off. Yesterday's PlaysForSure debacle comes to mind.

Re:What if it were Google?

[Uncle Focker]

Around here it sure seems like Google gets a free pass on everything and can do no wrong... Then you must not read much of the responses in Google threads. They get bashed all the time for their "privacy" policy among other things.

I don't think it's necessary to RTFA

[jimicus]

Live Mesh synchronizes data across multiple devices (currently just Windows computers, but theoretically it will extend to mobile and other devices in the future) as well as to a web desktop that exists in the cloud.

Extend to other devices? Unless they're running Windows Mobile, pull the other one.

To my mind, this is an attempt to create a killer app which will tie everyone to Windows for another 5-10 years much like "I want shared calendars in Outlook and I'm prepared to pay a lot of money to get it" has tied businesses to Exchange for so long.

Re:I don't think it's necessary to RTFA

[jimicus]

So?

OOXML is all XML, that doesn't mean it's particularly usable as a standard for others to implement right now.

Activesync

[esocid]

So I'm guessing activesync is going to be abandoned in the future for Live Mesh in terms of mobile devices? I never personally used activesync but I wonder if LM will absorb its responsibilities, and compatibilities. As long as there is no phoning home, I can see this having some good applications, but skepticism is always healthy.

Re:ms isn't the evil empire any more

[just_another_sean]

Why do people feel they can trust google and apple and not microsoft? They all have the same end goal and they all share the same 'evil' practices in one way or another... Personally, out of innate paranoia, I don't trust any of them or any other big corps for that matter. But I could be the most blindly trusting individual in the world and not miss the writing on the wall about MS. And besides, evil done by another is never an excuse for evil done by yourself. If Apple and/or Google are involved in shady, underhanded, "evil" practices that doesn't suddenly make it OK for MS to do it. And vice versa.

Yeah right

[Anonymous Coward]

Firstly to things:

1. I can't see the demo's, why? Apparently to "install Microsoft Silverlight to have a 'better' experience"... So no experience at all then.

2. I just must have a "Windows Live" account to sign in.

If these two small examples of Microsoft hubris, lock-in and lack of anything resembling open standards are to go by, then, no. No I shall not be partaking in their oh so, 'Wow' experience.

Re:Yeah right

[Anonymous Coward]

1. So what? Would you complain about Flash demo ?
2. You need an account for any online service. Why is this different?

Thank god for CmdrTaco..

[stubear]

And since it's run by Microsoft, you know you can trust it. ...and the rest of the Slashdot staff for telling us how to think. I was afraid I was going to have to RTFA but that little quip at the end spared me from having to do anything other then clear away some space in front of my leg so I don't stub my toe.

give it up, Microsoft

[nguy]

The days of single platform computing and lock-in are over. After Vista and "Plays for Sure", even the most die-hard Microsoft fans must have figured out that betting on all-Microsoft solutions is a sure way to lose.

Re:Intergrated service

[just_another_sean]

tap tap tap... hello McFly!

When MS threatened a unfriendly buyout of Yahoo! is what I'm referring to as Yahoo! Games.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&output=googleabout&btnG=Search+our+site&q=yahoo%20buyout%20microsoft

You pick the source you want to read about the story. Perhaps you might stop to think that not all the bad or flippant comments about MS are posted by people simply out to bash MS. Some of them are deserved and well earned comments. I know you're upset about MS. Who isn't? But slow down, breathe, note the Funny mod on the GP post. It was a joke. A pun. A play on words and not a bad one either.

Sometimes the only thing to do when MS comes along, steals tech from OLPC, "borrows" the look and feel of KDE and releases a half ass tech preview of something that will probably end up being as useful as Plays for Sure is to laugh.

Standard disclaimer: All of the above is rampant speculation based on history, current news and other /. posts. I have no idea which , if any, of the above statements are true. (although I suspect they all are).