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Live Mesh - Synchronizing Life

Feb. 12, 2009 Paul Thurrott | Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows

Abhinav U. sends along this really neat Live Mesh infomercial that Microsoft made for the service's unveiling last year. I'd never seen it before, and of course because it is essentially a marketing piece, it shows off functionality that we still don't have as well as a sync speed that makes Apple's advertisements look truthful by comparison. Still, it's nicely done and it does show off why P2whatever sync (P2P, P2device, P2web, etc.) is so fracking cool.

Check it out.

Discuss this Article 24

Master3
on Feb 12, 2009
Really? You've never seen it at all? It's one of my favorites from MS. Although some of the people look a bit to plastic. (Ken doll in airport)
Ocean
on Feb 12, 2009
I didn't like Live Mesh's footprint. It worked well though. I use Dropbox, which is an awesomely done service. http://lifehacker.com/398696/five-best-file-syncing-tools
shark47
on Feb 12, 2009
Nice infomercial, but has me even more confused about Microsoft's online strategy. Live Sync, Live Mesh, Live SkyDrive, and now My Phone. This is getting way to confusing, MS.
planetarian
on Feb 12, 2009
I use Mesh every day. This is also my first time seeing this commercial, but I don't watch TV anyway.
clindhartsen
on Feb 12, 2009
Moments like this, advertising like this, makes me wonder what Microsoft has been doing all of these years. Very very well done, though Shark might have a point. Is Microsoft fractioning off multiple projects to do essentially the same thing, or is this part of the long term process of building Mesh to where it can power the entire system?
Rasken
on Feb 12, 2009
Cool vid. A few inacurracies. 1 - A Macbook user synchronizing stuff to a Zune... Last I checked, there wasn't a Mac Zune client. 2 - The Zune doesn't wireless sync automatically. You have to manually tell it do do that by drilling through to Settings -> Wireless(1st option in the menu) -> Sync (3rd option in the menu) -> and then Sync with PC (3rd option). I use this option daily when I get home to sync up my Zune120 and get fresh podcasts for the next day's commute. 3 - I've never seen that photo screen on an Xbox 360, the Media Center interface, OR in the new Photo Party stuff that came on the NXE. What's the movie equivalent of a bullshot?? Otherwise it's a very nice Ad..
shark47
on Feb 12, 2009
Damn, my spelling sucks! "The Zune doesn't wireless sync automatically. " It does when connected to a power source, actually. It's pretty cool, but it can be annoying too. I want my Zune to sync automatically (Microsofties love to use "automagically") only after it's been idle for 15-20 minutes.
j4m3s0n79
on Feb 12, 2009
Just like the little 4.5 y/o girl on live photo gallery..it made me cry tears of joy.... God bless Microsoft!
subzerohitman721
on Feb 12, 2009
Very impressive. This is the multi-OS integration and syncing path of the future. Hoprefully it will become reality sooner than later.
Waethorn
on Feb 12, 2009
"Cool vid. A few inacurracies." Is it even RTM? No? Then I'd hardly call a promotional video for something that isn't complete "inaccurate". So Paul, what is your stance on Microsoft's cloud computing platform now? Previously you were concerned that they would lose relevance. Still feel that way?
Ocean
on Feb 12, 2009
>>Just like the little 4.5 y/o girl on live photo gallery..it made me cry tears of joy....<< I hope you're using hyperbole.
Waethorn
on Feb 12, 2009
I think that Windows Mobile stands as a far more productive platform with cloud services than any other, when you combine Windows Live services with Live Mesh. Google just doesn't have it yet. Do Android phones even get free software updates? I ask, because Chrome was still in beta when the G1 launched meaning production hardware was shipping with beta software. The iPhone is too consumer-oriented for businesses to care about it too.
Waethorn
on Feb 12, 2009
OMG OMG! Here's a good YouTube vid that came up on the Related vid list. The title says a lot about the plight of MobileMe. :D http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8jhXh016jI
boyreinvented
on Feb 12, 2009
That is over design. Do we really need technology to take over our lives that much? I certainly hope not.
Interframe
on Feb 12, 2009
Paul just to tell you, this was the first time Windows Mobile 7 was leaked. Around the part when the girl is in her car and receives a message on her phone, you can the Windows Mobile 7 UI. Oops!
SandmanX82
on Feb 12, 2009
@boyreinvented "That is over design. Do we really need technology to take over our lives that much? I certainly hope not." Yea, we certainly don't want to be able to do things like sync files between multiple computers...how ridiculous!!!
DRWAM
on Feb 12, 2009
That was a nice ad. The MacBook use shows that Live Mesh is for everybody. They should have use it during the Superbowl...you know, when the STEELERS WON !!!!
Lindy
on Feb 12, 2009
"I think that Windows Mobile stands as a far more productive platform" Windows Mobile is the worst cell phone OS EVER. My work provided Treo 800W needs daily reboots so that I can make phone, calls and sync email/calender with Exchange. I have every other feature turned off just so I get 12 hours of battery life. "Comments typed from my Lenovo T-61, corporate provided notebook with Windows XP and whole hard drive encryption...including all of my documents on the hard drive"
hamiltonstallings
on Feb 12, 2009
I like how the email says "sent from a Macbook wheel", that way people know you have one.
Ocean
on Feb 12, 2009
I can't believe MS is going to open it's own line of stores.
Ocean
on Feb 12, 2009
Apple hired a "Gap" executive to kick off its store concept. MS starts with someone from "Walmart". I can't wait to hear Paul's take on this in this weeks WW. Anyone noticed that he's disagreeing more and more with Leo? Its not bitter, its very subtle...
Ocean
on Feb 12, 2009
"I recently spent time with some very senior level Microsoft execs who all seemed to agree that a retailing strategy, with Microsoft branded stores, would be difficult because of all the companies with which Microsoft works.... ...Microsoft has always followed Apple's innovation lead. And now it seems to be trying to do the same with retail. But this will be an enormous challenge for a company already so late to the retail party." http://www.cnbc.com/id/29169460
subzerohitman721
on Feb 12, 2009
@Lindy, I've have never met a single Windows Mobile owner who actually likes their phone. The complaints range from it crashes daily to that its okay. I've tinkered with a few myself to know they aren't for me. So any criticism of Windows Mobile is well deserved. The WM platform is in serious need of a redesign starting with stability, the user interface, and the easy vs simple debate that Paul highlighted. @Ocean, David Porter, the former Wal Mart exec you've spoken for, was also the head of worldwide product distribution for Dreamworks Animation SKG since 2007. Since even Apple now sells iPhones at Wal Mart, the promotion of a former Wal Mart executive is actually a very good move. Who knows better to sell internationally and locally than Wal Mart. I do not like Wal Mart so much, but considering that Wal Mart is still the world's largest retailer by revenue, world's largest private employer on the planet, you'd be a fool to pass on any of their execs. They know business and efficiency better than anyone. The Gap Stores aren't doing so hot. 85 stores closed in early 2008 and a total of 800 stores closed in 6 years. Not to mention 2008 losses. http://www.cnbc.com/id/29030906/site/14081545
shark47
on Feb 13, 2009
"Apple hired a "Gap" executive to kick off its store concept. MS starts with someone from "Walmart". Ahh, so you mean only "cool" companies have smart people? "I can't wait to hear Paul's take on this in this weeks WW. Anyone noticed that he's disagreeing more and more with Leo? Its not bitter, its very subtle..." No. I haven't noticed it. What I've noticed is that after a period of little activity, your trolling is on the rise again.

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