Microsoft Revives MSN, Even Turning Back The Clock For The Logo
Screenshot via MSN
Digital nostalgia takes wing as Microsoft brings back the MSN brand. The tech giant has quietly rebranded its news service from “Microsoft Start” back to the familiar “MSN." Alongside the name change comes a sleek revamp of the classic MSN butterfly logo.
Last week, users noticed a fresh look when visiting the Microsoft Start website or opening a new tab on Edge. The Microsoft Start branding was replaced by the new MSN logo, with its updated butterfly sporting a clean, modern design language.
Image via Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
New MSN logo 🤔 pic.twitter.com/yXpcIWn1YY
— Daniel Rubino (@Daniel_Rubino) November 8, 2024
The decision to revive the MSN name is part of an effort by Microsoft to streamline its news content offerings, a spokesperson explains. By harmonizing everything, the company intends to create a more consistent experience across its platforms.
MICROSOFT START rebranding BACK to MSN IS THE GREATEST THING TO HAPPEN—IT WAS LONG OVERDUE! pic.twitter.com/pLUKYR57fz
— appl (@appl_unique) November 10, 2024
Despite the metamorphosized branding, the core features and functionality of the service remain intact, ensuring a smooth experience for users who have grown accustomed to the way it works.
While the company hasn’t officially stated whether the Microsoft Start mobile apps will also adopt the MSN moniker, it seems likely that the content served through those apps will now fall under the newly minted banner.
RIP Microsoft Start brand (2021-2024)
— Muhammad Ferdiansyah (@callmemasfer) November 8, 2024
Long live MSN! pic.twitter.com/bJrkX8so3Z
Interestingly, even when Microsoft first moved to the Microsoft Start branding in 2021, MSN was never truly retired, Windows Central reports. The homepage at MSN.com stayed up, but only to redirect visitors to the Microsoft Start website. Now, the butterfly effect sees a return, with articles from Start.com and MicrosoftStart.com sending users back to MSN.com.
The MSN logo from 2009-2014 (top left) and 2014-2024 (top right) VS the new logo (bottom). Images via Wikimedia Commons (public domain) [1][2][3]
[via Windows Central and Neowin, images via various sources]
