MSN declutters homepage adding Twitter and Facebook

Microsoft's Bing search is highlighted along with news and entertainment stories. It will also allow users to personalise the page with local information. Microsoft says there are 50% fewer links than on the current homepage. There is also a lot more white space, giving it a cleaner feel.

It follows Yahoo!'s homepage redesign, which features links to sites including Facebook and eBay, and also lets users check emails from rival services like Google Mail or AOL.

Erik Jorgensen, corporate vice-president at Microsoft, said: "Now is the time to clean up the mess on the web – people need less clutter and less hassle to find what matters most to them.

"Microsoft is uniquely invested in search, media experiences and technical innovation. Combining these assets to deliver our new MSN home page is a tremendous win for customers and advertisers."

Separately, MSN has unveiled a music download service, MSN Music. It launches with one million tracks from major record labels. Songs are purchased via credits, which must be bought in packs of 10 for £7.99. Singles will cost on average 79 pence and standard albums are £7.99.