Microsoft is changing course again on the branding for part of its remodeled suite of Internet services.

The company said today that when its new Web-based email service launches, it will be dubbed Windows Live Hotmail, instead of Windows Live Mail. The new branding will show up in internal versions and in a public beta version due out "in the coming weeks."

Richard Sim, senior product manager, blogged with more details:

[O]ur most loyal users have been very happy with Hotmail for years and while they loved the improvements in the beta, some were a bit confused by name change. As we prepare to launch the final version of our new web mail service, we recognize the importance of ensuring that our 260+ million existing customers come over to the new service smoothly and without confusion. By adopting the name "Windows Live Hotmail," we believe we're bringing together the best of both worlds -- new and old. We're able to offer the great new technology that Windows Live has to offer while also bringing the emotional connection many existing and loyal users have with Hotmail.

Microsoft has come under sustained criticism for the confusing branding around its suite of services, which we looked at in this story last summer. Do you find this branding move more or less confusing?