Microsoft is moving out of selling boxes into selling real, true services.

[It sounds spiffy, but there is reason to be skeptical. Set-top boxes and other appliances designed to ease the use of the Web haven't taken off, despite grand promises.] It's an innovative idea, ... These are the same users that won't even download new software on their browsers.

[With Windows Live, Microsoft] is asking people to entrust a lot of their lives in the hands of Microsoft, ... Trust is a loaded word for Microsoft.

[Others say the deal could also raise flags over the combined AOL Time Warner's ability to limit access to Internet content.] From the consumer point of view, there may be questions about whether you'll have to be an AOL subscriber to get Time magazine, ... That combination of media with the access is one through which you may be able to block access to your competitors' subscribers.

From the consumer point of view, there may be questions about whether you'll have to be an AOL subscriber to get Time magazine. That combination of media with the access is one through which you may be able to block access to your competitors' subscribers.

Taking a close look at all technical options is the right thing for them (AOL and MSN) to be doing.