Make a change to a document on one machine and every other machine you have linked to your SkyDrive will update that document to the latest version. Similar to Dropbox's approach, SkyDrive creates a folder that syncs to the cloud and between machines. SkyDrive is perhaps the least exciting but necessary app included in Windows Essentials. There is also a new ' auto collage' feature which blends photos you choose into one fluid picture. There's still great social network integration for quick, seamless sharing. You can now tag people in photos in bulk. Both programs are now designed for Windows 8 in mind and feature the Microsoft ribbon interface. Photo Gallery and Movie Maker are the highlights of Windows Essentials as they received the biggest overhaul.

See our full review of Windows Live Messenger 2012 here. We would have liked to have seen some more changes to make Windows Live Messenger relevant in this crowded space. The interface is almost exactly the same as Windows Live Messenger 2011. There's tabbed browsing, Facebook/ Linkedin integration, and the ability to log chats. Windows Live Messenger hasn't seen much changed.

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