Microsoft’s Macintosh Business Unit (MacBU) on Thursday will release MSN for Mac OS X on the company’s Web site. The MacBU will utilize the knowledge and experience it gained when making Microsoft Office v. X and Internet Explorer for OS X. Pieces of these applications will help make up the MSN for Mac OS X application.
MSN has many features that you would expect in a consumer-level Internet access application including Junk Mail Filters, Online Calendar, Address Book and MSN Messenger. The Dashboard in MSN allows users to add customizable content including Local News and Weather; Email Update (how many email messages you have waiting); Search; Online Contacts (how many friends are online); and Stock Quotes.
MSN also features parental controls that are customizable, helping to keep inappropriate content away from children. You can use the included default profiles by age or customize the parental controls for each of your children’s online habits. This includes allowing or blocking MSN Messenger, downloads, music content and Web site access.
MSN also features free 24-hour Mac specific customer support via phone, e-mail or the Web.
The MacBU and Microsoft’s MSN division will offer Macintosh users two options to signup for the MSN service: dialup and a subscription if you want to access MSN using your existing Internet Service Provider. Several pricing options are available for the service depending on where you live and various other factors.