Windows Live to get social networking features

[RatBastich]

SEATTLE - Microsoft Corp. is planning a Windows Live update in the coming weeks that adds social networking features to the software maker's instant messaging program, free Hotmail e-mail service and other sites.

This overhaul positions the software maker as a competitor to News Corp.'s MySpace, Facebook and other popular online hangouts. Microsoft claims hundreds of millions of Web e-mail and instant messenger users, but is still seen as a laggard when it comes to understanding the Internet.