Microsoft opens Live Mesh sync platform to the public
Microsoft has thrown open the doors to its Live Mesh file synchronization service. Now anyone can sign into the service using a Windows Live ID. You no longer need to sign up for an account and sit on a waiting list.
Live Mesh, which launched as a technical preview in April, allows users to synchronize files across multiple computers. All of your synchronized files will also be available via the web for easy access even if you're not near one of your computers. The service is still in beta, but now it's a public beta.
The Live Mesh interface also features a nifty news category that presents you with recent updates to your folders and files. If you add music to the shared music folder on your home PC, you can read about it on your work PC or on the web.
Eventually Microsoft plans to roll out Live Mesh clients for Mac and mobile devices, but right now Live Mesh works only with Windows XP and Vista.
[via LiveSide]
Live Mesh, which launched as a technical preview in April, allows users to synchronize files across multiple computers. All of your synchronized files will also be available via the web for easy access even if you're not near one of your computers. The service is still in beta, but now it's a public beta.
The Live Mesh interface also features a nifty news category that presents you with recent updates to your folders and files. If you add music to the shared music folder on your home PC, you can read about it on your work PC or on the web.
Eventually Microsoft plans to roll out Live Mesh clients for Mac and mobile devices, but right now Live Mesh works only with Windows XP and Vista.
[via LiveSide]













Comments
10
Subscribe to commentsasurrocaJul 16th 2008 12:10PM
Is this essentially the successor to FolderShare? If not, they need to roll FolderShare into this. Also, looks like they kind of recycled the Silverlight logo...
I like how it essentially sticks a folder on your computer where you drag and drop stuff to automatically sync it. Very simple.
hjanumJul 16th 2008 12:32PM
I have been using Mesh during the closed beta, and I love it. It will sync selected files to the mesh and any computers you choose. In addition you can remote control computers in your mesh (like Remote Desktop). It keeps a 'feed' of all file updates, so you can see what users in your mesh updated what files. You can also discuss changes with other users you share files with.
It's awesome.
JamesJul 16th 2008 1:53PM
Strange, it still required I sit on a waiting list.
JRJul 16th 2008 1:43PM
What the heck... you can only upload one file at a time? Am i doing something wrong here?
AikoJul 16th 2008 1:51PM
Looks like Groove with a bit extra functionality.
It's .. OK but IMHO they could have done it way better.
LoodacJul 16th 2008 2:28PM
"Please join our waiting list..."
Hmm... Are you positive that it's open? Maybe not in all countries?
ZackJul 16th 2008 4:07PM
it's only open to en-us region computers, but you can change your region to get instant access.
my favorite new feature is the part where it turns off aero in vista (one of the few reasons to upgrade to vista in the first place)
PeterJul 16th 2008 6:29PM
For straight file syncing, I prefer Dropbox, but I keep Live Mesh installed because of the remote access functionality. It works amazingly well. I can access my home machine even though I'm coming through our office ISA firewall, my home router and home firewall and it didn't require any special configuration.
Dropbox is just easier to use, but it doesn't have any remote access functions.
superrrguyJul 17th 2008 7:01AM
They really need a whole roaming desktop thing happening where a user can log on through their home oroffice desktop/laptop and have all the same icons/setting/etc. and also be able to get that same desktop through a web browser when they're away from their main computers.
mobyJul 17th 2008 7:01AM
So far not bad. I wish they offered an image view vs having to load the media display function w/silverlight. Also, the only function that works in firefox is the online desktop. If you wish to connect to other devices, you have to use IE. This is probably a deal breaker for me for regular use.