Microsoft testing video sharing website: Soapbox Beta

US computer software colossus Microsoft was testing a video-sharing service that would go head-to-head with the hip and popular YouTube website. Microsoft released a beta version of “Soapbox on MSN Video,” designed to let users upload personal videos for sharing online. Microsoft search engine rivals Google, Yahoo and America Online have already stepped into the ring with YouTube by offering video sharing services of their own. YouTube quickly grew into an online rage and was voted one of Time magazine’s 50 coolest websites in July. Microsoft said its test of Soapbox would be invitation-only and limited to the United States. Soapbox will be a feature on the MSN Video site and be integrated in new Windows Live Spaces and Live Messenger software, according to Microsoft.