That Microsoft is launching a new video sharing site called Soapbox isn't really news, but somehow it escaped my attention until now. CNet's Rafe Needleman is more on the ball, however, and got to take a look the currently-in-private-beta service. Microsoft has been turning a lot of heads lately with its Live.com offerings, but Needleman is unimpressed by Soapbox. "I found nothing in the Soapbox product itself to propel it past other video sharing sites," he concludes. "It will live or die based on its content and its community." Interestingly, Soapbox is sailing under the MSN Video banner, rather than the Live banner, which seems odd given that MSN Messenger and MSN Search are both being tucked under the Windows Live's waiting wings. You can give Microsoft your email address if you want a shot at the beta, but if you're happy with YouTube or another offering it may not be worth the bother.

[Via Slashdot]