windows essentials toolsMicrosoft has just made available the updated version of Windows Essentials. It is the ‘2012’ edition. This package was formerly, titled ‘Windows Live’ as a set of free tools that you can download and install to your Windows computer. They are now branding the updated version of the tools without the ‘Live’ part of the name. It is now called 'Windows Essentials’. This means that Windows Live Movie Maker is now just simply ‘Movie Maker’. This new version will be tightly promoted with the upcoming October release of Windows 8. It will in fact only work with Windows 7 and Windows 8.


When you install the package, you can choose all the tools or just some. For me, I’m interested just in the photo and video tools. Windows movie maker has been a decent entry in the video editing choice list, and it is really hard to beat the FREE price point. With the new 2012 edition, they just made it extremely more compelling. The list of added features is impressive.


Movie Maker (2012) now has up to three audio tracks. So you have the audio associated with the video plus option for music track AND voiceover track. Also, they have added waveform display back into the editing. When you are editing video, looking at waveform is extremely helpful to tell you where the clipping points are when you are trimming video.


Also in the 2012 version, MP4 is the default output format. Before the only option was WMV (windows media video) which isn't as globally compatible as the mp4 format (H.264 encoding) is.


Add video stabilization to the equation and this tool is looking very good!
A fuller list of new features is available on the microsoft blog post.


Important note: older computers (like my laptop, grrr) may not be able to utilize the 2012 version. It requires a newer video card and also Windows 7 (or Windows 8 soon). The application depends on some newer technologies that older computers and windows versions are not able to keep up. (I guess after 5-1/2 years, maybe I should update my laptop finally??)


Video is a powerful marketing tool for your business. How is your YouTube channel looking these days? I have just opened an online class called “Video Essentials for Your Business” where we teach you all the fundamentals that you will need to get your videos out there for people to see. In the class we teach Windows Movie Maker, plus Sony Vegas Movie Studio, plus iMovie. So you have a choice which editor you like best! The training is in pre-recorded classes so you can watch any time day or night, according to your pace.
Will I see you in class? :)

About the
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  is a Technology Manager residing in NYC who specializes in applied technologies in the fields of Architecture and Real Estate. Craig focuses on finding the best uses of tech as can be used to help a business be more successful. He is keen on always seeing the perspective and viewpoint of his audience and he tailors his teaching to be easily understood. He teaches by means of this blog, online courses and webinars, as well as one-on-one remote sessions with persons located throughout the country and beyond.

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46 Comments on What’s New in Movie Maker 2012

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

AUG
12
435,056 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Craig-I have used Movie Maker in the past and really liked it. I look forward to trying this version!
2:48am • #28
1,421,366 Points 41 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Anything to bring the quality of my videos up. .is beneficial to me. .thank you for the advice. .
4:38am • #29
975,176 Points 350 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Craig - I have a feeling you will really like my post today about SPAM...  Maybe you could use it in one of your presentations?
4:56am • #30
303,250 Points 27 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Craig.... I had no idea about this... but what else is new.... I'll bookmark it and give it all some time when I have time... Thank you for all your time and all this valuable info... Beth
5:27am • #31
222,537 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jay - I'm glad you will check it out

Kathy - thanks, glad to help!

Richard - great - give it a go, its a good one

Kerry - video is a great way to put yourself at the front of the crowd :)
6:01am • #32
222,537 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Ginny - I didn't have this problem, it installed only the two pieces I wanted - I'll check back with you on this one because I'll want to see you get the update for class

Jerry - I upgraded my laptop to windows7 and I really like the OS update. However my processor and video card are starting to show their age. If you are doing video, a newer computer might be warranted more than if you were just using a computer for web surfing

Connie - check it out when you get a moment, great marketing opportunities! :)
6:04am • #33
222,537 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Debbie - thanks for stopping by, glad to help! :)

Wayne - makes me happy to help, glad to see you

Gail - spot on comment - "we have to do it right, if we take it on" - that's why I saw the need for a class - the movie maker app is less intimidating than the others and puts video withing reach. I hope to see you in class when you can set aside a little time. :)

Melissa - LOL you visited my other blog post - and thanks I did check out videolicious - I really like their sample videos

 
6:07am • #34
222,537 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Judi - check out the manufacturer web site for info on compatibility on upgrades - I'm sure they will be working on drivers to make sure it is compatible - windows 7 and/or windows 8 is a very worthwhile upgrade

Janis - you are almost in need of this at module 3 :)

Evelyn - LOL I did that a little on purpose because i WANT you to take the class - because the training is pre-recorded you can watch it on your own schedule, your own pace - look forward to seeing you there (a couple of weeks, fine! class is open ended) :)
6:13am • #35
222,537 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Christine - if you have win7 and newer computer/video card - absolutely! :)

Scott - it's a big update IMO

Fernando - glad to help and see you

Jay - we'll be sending out the video crews to take footage of your new HQ :)

Beth - see you on the return to the bookmark, thanks :)
6:15am • #36
Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Thanks Craig.  I am looking forward to the  new class.  My photo editing is a breeze these days thanks to your last class.
1:05pm • #37
1,156,728 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thanks Craig I have used the product now and then, and will certainly check out the upgrade.  I do have a video editing software that I was able to figure out.
8:46pm • #38
AUG
13
1,652,689 Points 134 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Craig, thank you for the feedback on Windows 7 & 8.  After upgrading, Windows Essentials is definitely going on the computer. 
4:57am • #39
222,537 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jeremy - glad I will see you in the new class (hopefully soon) - thanks so much for the kind words on the last class

Jennifer - when video editing software has a good interface, it is so much easier. this one is a good choice

Judi - that's great :)
9:58am • #40
701,737 Points 39 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Downloaded it! Thanks for the heads up on this.
2:10pm • #41
AUG
19
1,116,234 Points 117 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

YES....you will see me in class. Going there rigth now!  Can't wait to learn from the best!
1:40pm • #42
AUG
24
185,939 Points

Thanks for the tip. Video is stepping up to the plate as a viable medium for agents to use.
2:31pm • #43
SEP
03
238,330 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Thanks for the heads up on the new packaging. Apparently, my laptop is older than yours and I'm still running XP.

 
8:27pm • #44
SEP
05
116,375 Points

Craig,

Discovered these a while back also having heard from some video pros. For most peoples level, these truly are great tools. Can't wait to try it out on Windows 8
7:51pm • #45
SEP
13
897,926 Points 35 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Darn, there's no contest :) just kidding.
2:09pm • #46
DEC
09
578,516 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Craig,

I have been trying to keep up with your video class, just crazy busy.  However, I will tell you I have fallen in love with MAC imovie.  What a great movie program!!!
2:52pm • #47

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