Microsoft Releases Live Messenger Beta

By Geoff Duncan Published May 9, 2006

Previously available by invitation only, Microsoft has released a public beta of its Windows Live Messenger product, the next iteration of its popular MSN Messenger instant messaging program. With Windows Live Messenger, Microsoft is adding new PC-to-phone calling featured designed to compete with the likes of VoIP giant Skype while boosting sharing features, video support, and Windows integration. The beta is available from Microsoft’s Windows Live Ideas Web site.

Windows Live Messenger offers a revamped interface and a toolbar providing one-click access to common features and services, including Windows Live Call, which can place PC-to-phone telephone calls via the Verizon Web Calling service, currently available in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, and Span with Austria, Italy, Finland, Belgium, and the Netherlands coming online this week. Via Verizon Web Calling, Windows Live Messenger users can place “affordable” local and international telephone calls from anywhere they can gain Internet access, including wireless hotspots. Users can also purchase cordless telephone handsets designed to work with Windows Live Call: these phones work anywhere in the home (even away from the computer) and are currently available from Uniden and Philips.

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Windows Live Messenger also supports full-screen video conversation between users who have broadband and Webcam support, and Sharing Folders which enable users to quickly swap files (like photos and documents) by dragging files to the Windows Live Messenger window. The software also supports up to 600 contacts, and shares contacts with Windows Live Mail and MSN Spaces.

The Windows Live Messenger beta is available for free.

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Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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