Windows Live Movie Maker now available

Available only as a beta version until now, Windows Live Movie Maker is the successor to Windows Movie Maker 6 and includes the ability to publish directly to YouTube and burn movies to DVD with just a few mouse clicks.

This release is the first Windows Live Essentials application optimised for Windows 7, according to Microsoft, although it will also run on Vista. However, this makes the software unavailable to the vast number of customers still using Windows XP.

Windows Live Movie Maker makes it easier for people to turn videos and photos into quality movies and slideshows, Microsoft said. It can import video and still images direct from cameras, and lets users add transitions, music and effects such as customised credits.

Minimum hardware for running Windows Live Movie Maker is similar to that needed for Vista, but Microsoft also states that users require an ATI Radeon 9500 or better graphics adapter, or an Nvidia GeForce FX 5900 or better.

The application is available as a free download as part of Windows Live Essentials.