MSN: All in one service integration (Hotmail Changes)

Hotmail launches a new Social Network feature together with your email. The Social Network is linked to your Windows Live account and MSN messenger. What’s different this time is that when you log in to your hotmail email account, you see friend feeds similar to twitter and facebook’s status; this is linked to the MSN messenger status that people change.

Once you do click the more button, the interface suddenly becomes similar to facebook status showing status of different people you’ve added as friends. You’re also allowed to post notes (similar to facebook comments) or comment on other people’s pictures. There are also groups where people can join.

Is this the all in one solution of MSN to integrate all their services in one? With a bold move like this, doesn’t it become a comeptitor to facebook (which they invested in)? I wonder what MSN is up to…