Windows Live Hotmail, often referred to simply as Hotmail, is a free webmail service of Microsoft common, part of the Windows Live services group. The beta of the service was released on November 1, 2005 concurrent with the release of Windows Live, and the final version was released on May 7, 2007. The formerly code-named Kahuna and short name Open the Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Hotmail is designed to replace the MSN Hotmail.
It provides 2 gigabytes of storage, the automatic spell checking, custom filters, and safety features, Ajax programming technology, and integration with Windows Live Messenger, Spaces, Calendar and Contacts. Hotmail currently have 260 million users around the world and has 36 language versions.
Beginning on May 7, 2007, all new Hotmail accounts being created will become Windows Live Hotmail account. The old MSN Hotmail users can update their account to Windows Live Hotmail by clicking on the button "Join Windows Live Hotmail" logo at the bottom of Hotmail. Windows Live Hotmail currently has versions in 36 languages.
Windows Live Hotmail is fully compatible with Internet Explorer 6.0 or later, and Mozilla Firefox 1.5 or higher. However, many features are missing when viewed with other browsers like Opera and Apple's Safari, with this browser, users only see the "classic version" of the service.
Users can use the Windows Live Mail or Microsoft Outlook with Outlook Connector (available for download at the Microsoft Download Center) for a message without using a web browser.