Microsoft Releases Blogging Tool called Live Writer

Microsoft has released Windows Live Writer, a free software that helps users create and edit blog posts. Here is their schpeel:

Live Writer includes a number of tools for creating good-looking and compelling blog posts, and is compatible with Windows Live Spaces and most popular blog hosting services. The included WYSIWYG editor allows users to create and preview their blog posts in exactly the same way they will appear online. Live Writer also includes HTML source-code editing.

Users can insert Windows Live Local maps into their blog posts via a simple graphical interface. Maps can be customized directly within Writer - including changing the view to show road, aerial or bird’s eye detail and by adding pushpins. Live Writer also includes tools for inserting and editing pictures.

Another feature Microsoft has provided is the Live Writer Software Development Kit. The SDK allows developers to extend the capabilities of Writer to publish additional content types like video, links from ecommerce sites, and tags.

I haven’t (yet) tried Live Writer myself so I can’t endorse it, but when I do you will be the first to know what I think of it. It is after all a Microsoft product so it already has one strike against it, (but I’ll try to keep an open mind ;-). It’s still in beta so maybe I’ll wait until version three is available to get the bugs out. But if you’re feeling brave you can download the beta version here. Caveat Emptor.

I’ve been using w.bloggar for posting as well as editing my template for several years now. I’ve tried most of the competing products out there and I keep coming back to it so it must be good. And considering that it’s free you can’t beat the price either.