Myspace, the site that used to be the most popular social network in the world, is on the verge of a re-launch - with a completely new look and user interface.
The original social network was sold to online advertising firm, Specific Media, for $35 million, in June last year. This was after Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation acquired the site seven years ago, for close to $600 million.
Justin Timberlake also took an ownership stake in Myspace, and said at the time he would play an active role in the site's management. Timberlake took the wraps off the new Myspace by tweeting a link to a preview video.
Until now, the owners have been fairly tight-lipped about their future plans for Myspace, but it has been widely expected that the service would be positioned as a music and entertainment platform rather than a social network that would compete with the likes of Facebook.
The preview video shows a completely rethought and redesigned service that allows users to sign in with Twitter or Facebook and import content from other platforms - including photos, videos and playlists.
The new design has been called a mixture of Facebook and Pinterest, and focuses heavily on images and content, with a big differentiating feature being horizontal scrolling. The site remains focused on music discovery and entertainment, and features a built-in music player and streaming service.
The music service is presumably Myspace's own music player, which the site launched at the end of last year. The introduction of the Myspace Player, which gave users access to over 42 million songs, boosted Myspace membership by one million in just one month after its launch.
When Timberlake first announced his involvement with Myspace, he issued a statement saying: "There's a need for a place where fans can go to interact with their favourite entertainers, listen to music, watch videos, share and discover cool stuff and just connect. Myspace has the potential to be that place."
The preview video also shows features for artists such as information about their online fan-base and the ability to post content for select groups of followers.
Well received
Details about when the site will officially launch and exactly which features will be available are yet to be released, but initial reactions to the new Myspace have been generally very positive. These are some of the top tweets on Twitter about the new service:
"I must say, the new #Myspace looks pretty interesting. Love the music-centric focus."
"Woah, Myspace actually looks legitimately good again. Might actually start up a new profile on it when the new site rolls out."
"I discovered several artists on #Myspace! With the current FB changes timing is perfect for a return!"
"A lot of Tumblr/Pinterest in the new Myspace preview but dare I say it's one of the most magazine-like designs I've ever seen for a site?"
"Instagram + Pinterest + Windows 8 + Justin Timberlake = SexyBack #Myspace"
"The UI for new Myspace looks intriguing and smooth. Definitely optimised for touch. Perhaps it will live to see another day."
"That looks absolutely incredible. Keyword is looks. Let's see how it feels when/if it makes it to market."
Those interested in using the new service can sign up to receive an invitation on the new.myspace.com site.
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