Microsoft Unveils First Look of New MSN

MSN aims to deliver the world's most popular and comprehensive content on the web; apps coming soon to Windows, Android, and iOS devices

TORONTO, Sept. 8, 2014  /CNW/ - Designed from the ground up for a mobile, cloud-first world, today Microsoft has launched the new MSN, a single platform that combines premium content from the world's leading media outlets with personal productivity tools that help users maximize their time online.

Built around the insight that knowledge and information that enriches lives should be accessible regardless of location or device, MSN includes an integrated web experience, available for preview at preview.msn.com, and suite of MSN apps across Windows Phone, iOS, and Android, set to launch in the coming months.

"Canadians, more than ever, are consuming instantaneous content across multiple screens and looking for personalized and unique experiences. The new MSN is a response to this – a completely reimagined experience that marries content from respected sources with personalized integration, regardless of device and location," said Matthew McKenzie, Executive Producer, MSN Canada. "MSN aims to not only keep Canadians connected to the world, but also do more within it."

Most Popular and Complete Content

MSN has partnered with some of the world's best and most authoritative content sources, including Postmedia, The Globe and Mail, TC Media, and Corus Entertainment in Canada, The New York Times and Motor Trend in the U.S., The Guardian and The Telegraph in the U.K., NDTV and Hindustan Times in India, Le Figaro and Le Monde in France.

"Postmedia is excited to team up with Microsoft Canada – connecting their unparalleled international audience with our national network of strong local brands," said Cole Reiken, VP Digital Businesses, Postmedia. "Our network of newspapers, including the Calgary Herald, Ottawa Citizen and National Post, focus on delivering relevant breaking news and keeping users connected to their communities and the world. Aligning with MSN is a great opportunity for two renowned brands to reach broader audiences."

Spanning 10 categories including sports, entertainment, money, travel, and video, the new MSN provides a global perspective from thousands of publishers around the world. Information ranges from the latest stats on more than 200 global sports leagues, reviews of more than 1.5 million bottles of wine, to more than 300,000 mouthwatering recipes. MSN Canada's expert editors will draw from more than 1,000 sources to hand-curate content that appeals directly to Canada's diverse cultures.

"The Globe and Mail is thrilled to make its news available to the millions of Canadians who use MSN every day," said Angus Frame, The Globe and Mail's Vice President Digital Media & Technology. "This innovative new experience will ensure readers can easily enjoy The Globe's top writers on whatever device they choose – be it a computer, smart phone or tablet."

Know More, Do More

The new MSN helps users know and do more through personal productivity tools, like a 3D human body to identify illness symptoms, fitness and diet tracker, flight tracker, and shopping lists, in addition to integrated access to popular sites like Outlook.com, Facebook, Twitter, OneNote, OneDrive, and soon Skype.

These integrated tools cover eight categories letting users explore, plan, and track the activities they care about. Users can set up topics to follow the news they care about, like tracking "Game of Thrones spoilers" or "polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba".

With MSN, users can search for recipes and turn ingredients into a shopping list in one click. The list will also extend from the web to the mobile app, providing access on-the-go and in-store.

Uniquely Yours

A clean, fresh design makes it easy to find and enjoy personalized content. Users can customize their homepage experience by moving content verticals up and down the page based on their interests. Personalization will also integrate automatically across all devices.

New Opportunities for Brands

The new MSN is an ideal environment for seamless brand storytelling across devices with the continued offering of a personalized web experience, best-of-the-web publishers, and application engagement across all mobile operating systems.

The process of buying ads remains the same, with similar IAB standard units as found on previous versions of MSN.  

"With premium content and productivity tools, we're thrilled to offer a new experience to both advertisers and consumers that help people do more," said Frank Holland, CVP, Microsoft Advertising. "Our daily lives have become increasingly busy and with that comes more screens to interact with to make our days make sense. MSN streamlines this experience to the benefit of all people and allows advertisers to be in more moments and to capture consumers at the right mindset during the day."

About Microsoft Canada

Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca. 

SOURCE: Microsoft Canada Inc.