 | |
 Windows Live Gallery homepage | |
| Developer(s) | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Final release | 13.0.1180.0516 / June 15, 2008 |
| Type | software widgets |
| Website | Archived official website at the Wayback Machine (archive index) |
Windows Live Gallery (codenamed Customise) was a part of Windows Live range of services. It was a center for gadgets, extensions and add-ons for Windows and Windows Live services.
Windows Live Gallery was officially retired on October 1, 2011. [1]
Since its launch on July 24, 2006, [2] Windows Live Gallery held repository for the following Windows and Windows Live services and products:
| Service | Reason for removal from Windows Live Gallery |
|---|---|
| Gadgets for Live.com | Live.com's successor Windows Live Personalized Experience was discontinued on March 30, 2010 [3] |
| Gadgets for Windows Live Spaces and Windows Live Events | Gadgets on Windows Live Spaces were removed in June 2010, [4] Windows Live Events discontinued on September 3, 2009 [5] |
| Live.com Collections | Live.com's successor Windows Live Personalized Experience was discontinued on March 30, 2010 [3] |
| Windows Live Toolbar Buttons and Custom Buttons | Windows Live Toolbar discontinued since the launch of Windows Live Essentials 2011 (Wave 4) |
| Windows Search add-ins and applications | Replaced by IFilters |
| Live Search Macros | Live Search Macros discontinued since the launch of Bing on June 3, 2009 |
| Windows Live Agents | Windows Live Agents was discontinued in Summer 2009 [6] |
| Windows Live Messenger Emoticons, Winks, Display Pictures and Activities | Replaced by third-party services such as Quebles and WeeMee |
| Windows Live Writer add-ins | Replaced by http://plugins.live.com on December 13, 2010 [7] |
| Windows Desktop Gadgets | Discontinued in favor of Metro-styled apps in Windows 8. [1] Several highest-rated gadgets remain available on Windows Personalization Gallery. |
| Windows SideShow | Discontinued in favor of Metro-styled apps in Windows 8. [1] |
Windows Live Gallery integrated the Microsoft Points micropayment system which also powers Zune and Xbox Live purchases. It created a marketplace for developers to showcase their works, and if chose to, receive payment for their efforts. Developers who have partnered with Windows Live Gallery could set up their own virtual shops. [8]
Jeff, Wei Jie, Junaid and Misha were generally regarded as the most prolific and critical members of the Gallery team.
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