Both Google and MSN each have their respected sandboxes though the difference between them is like night and day. The Google Sandbox is an unofficial name dubbed by those outside of Google for where new websites go to languish for the next 8 months until they suddenly pop up into the rankings.
The MSN Sandbox is an official title given to an area of the MSN site where people can go to play with the newest betas that MSN has to offer. As of this writing the MSN Sandbox contains new beta releases such as MSN’s Anti-Spyware, Newsbot, Spaces, Messenger 7, Toolbar Suite, Lookout Search Tool, 3-degrees, NetScan and TerraService.
Of note is the MSN Spaces service which is, “A brand new MSN service that makes it easy to create and share an online scrapbook; complete with blogs, photos and personal recommendation lists.” This slick, consumer-oriented offering lets friends and family communicate in a whole new way. In addition, a new application called 3-degrees, let’s family and friends, “connect online, extending real-world social interactions.” This tool allows for simultaneous interaction such as listening to a shared play list at the same time.
It is apparent that MSN is stepping up their game in the search engine wars. Not only are they offering new analytical tools for news searches and desktop search but they’re also offering fun, personalized services as well.
Sandbox is a better name for MSN’s play area than Google’s storage area. In fact a better name for Google’s filter / archive might be StorageBox or FlowerBox or even CatBox. Can you dig it? But in regards to MSN’s Sandbox its play time – so go play.
I can consult you on this question and was specially registered to participate in discussion.