local.live.com

Remember Virtual Earth? Forget Virtual Earth....

In a move that seems really really too similar to the Google Maps to Google Local transition, we now have Windows Live Local.

I think it is much clearer that this is a competitor with Google Local than Google Earth, even with the 45 degree angle shots that I clipped here. I also think it's interesting that they are calling this Windows Live versus Microsoft Live. I think Windows is a far better brand than Microsoft. The Microsoft name just has far too much baggage associated with it in too many contexts, whereas Windows and Office are really seen in a much more positive light. I'd be interested to see some numbers behind that.