Microsoft Live Mesh - discussion thread

So, quite a few of us here should now/will soon be using this. What are your early thoughts?

I've not been using it long myself, but I've found syncing between my desktop and laptop to be easier than ever.

Things I'd really like to see added, however, are:
Ability to add Vista's Desktop folder to the Mesh
Ability to sync certain files directly between devices, without the cloud

How're you finding it? If you're looking for a way into the Live Mesh tech preview, please check the HEXUS Live Mesh invitation sharing thread.

Useful links
Official Live Mesh website
HEXUS.net - Live Mesh - Microsoft's next killer app?
HEXUS.net - Microsoft unveils Live Mesh
HEXUS.channel - What’s the point of Live Mesh? Microsoft explains

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Originally Posted by Parm

Ability to sync certain files directly between devices, without the cloud

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Isn't that sort of diametrically opposed to the idea of cloud computing (and live mesh?)

As it stands i think mesh is failing to take advantage of the frankly brilliant p2p networking layer MS have created.

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Originally Posted by TheAnimus

Isn't that sort of diametrically opposed to the idea of cloud computing (and live mesh?)

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Kind of, but I think it'd be mighty useful too.

At present, I think Live Mesh offers 5GiB of storage, that's perfect for keeping things like my documents, pictures and favourites synced between my lappy, desktop and cloud. If I want to keep my music and videos synced, the 5GiBs isn't enough so I can't put them on the cloud - I'd still like to keep them synced between lappy and desktop, though.

I've been pleasantly surprised with Live Mesh can do so far, it's still at early stages but it has been getting better with each update. It could turn out to be very good, particularly when Mac and Windows Mobile support gets added.

there's been more and more of a shift away from the traditional monothlith style of application design lately.

WCF (windows communication foundation) makes it piss simple to use the new peer to peer thing (no not like crummy bit torrent, thats just a stupid thing). This even has support for discovery (ie not relying on something like DNS to find a cloud) and can coupe very well if a major node goes down.

I think this shift in design will be as major as the shift from packet switched from circuit switched.

To the people who got Live Mesh invites, how are you getting on with it? Early impressions? What are you finding it useful for, if anything?

I'm sharing all my documents and pictures between desktop, laptop and cloud, and I've used 85% of the 5GBs of storage space! Eeek! Too many pictures I reckon.

Im' hoping someone can share an invite at some stage, I've been waiting for MS for ages.

It does look appealing tho, and would hopefully do for me what foldershare couldn't which is keep my mail synced, but I'm not sure it's gonna work well with PST's, although keeping my Laptops and Desktop synced would be hand.

I hate having to copy OneNote folders all the time, but they don't merge either so unsure if it'll help me there either.

im finding it quite good for music and things....

I.E. for when i'm at college

i can just logon and stream away.. but no doubt it will get blocked soon... :(

Update: http://lifestyle.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=14360

Peer-to-peer sync is exactly what I needed. I've got my documents and stuff I use regularly on desktop, laptop and cloud. But I just want to sync my music between desktop and laptop, excluding the cloud. Can finally do it, and it works a treat.

Live Mesh now open to all: http://lifestyle.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=14452

A Live Mesh update was rolled out earlier today, here are the details:

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Version numbers

• Live Mesh software: 0.9.3103.9
• Live Desktop: 0.9.3103.9

Fixes

• Raised the limit on the total number of customers we'll allow to access the Live Mesh Tech Preview.
• Expanded availability: you can sign up directly, with no waiting list, if your country/region is the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand.
• Removed the limit on the number of Live Mesh invitations you have. Invite new friends and family members to the Live Mesh Tech Preview.
• For our customers in countries/regions other than those above, we've greatly simplified the waiting list process. You no longer need to sign up through Microsoft Connect. You can sign in with your Windows Live ID on www.mesh.com, click Sign Up, and you'll automatically be notified once Live Mesh is available in your country/region.
• Improved the performance of peer-to-peer synchronization.
• General performance improvements.

User Account Control (UAC) notice
If you're running Windows Vista and recently turned off UAC, you may have to turn on UAC to install this update. Please see the Live Mesh forums for further information.

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Anybody in the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand should now be able to use the service directly at mesh.com. :)

think i will give this a go, think theres a client for mobiles as well. Will set it up when I get back from work

I've just signed up to the free trial of MobileMe, which I reckon is pretty similar. Some webspace, synchronisation of contacts and bookmarks, connections to other computers and stuff.

Only problem is you have to pay for MobileMe :(

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Originally Posted by Steve B

Only problem is you have to pay for MobileMe :(

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That would only effect people if they where somehow tied to a proprietry platform and had no alternatives as options..... oh its apple.