Windows Live Messenger Released

Morshad published 20 Jun 2006, 06:03 in main - 172 views

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Windows Live Messenger, the next-generation version of Microsoft's instant messaging service for consumers, will be available for download in final form right after 9 p.m. PDT today.

The product will be posted as a free download, the Redmond, Washington, company said this afternoon.

This release is a milestone for Microsoft's Windows Live program. Windows Live Messenger is not the first Windows Live service to launch globally in final form, but it is the first core, major one to do so, said Brooke Richardson, MSN group product manager.

Windows Live is a family of Web-based services that includes some, such as search and e-mail, previously branded under MSN. Also getting the Windows Live treatment are the company's search engine, consumer Web portal, Web-mail service, and PC security suite.

Download: Download Windows Live Messenger

View: Windows Live Messenger

Features of Windows Live Messenger include the following:

• Video Call - The free, synchronized audio and video service in Windows Live Messenger

• Windows Live Call with Verizon Web Calling service.

• Cordless phones designed exclusively for Windows Live Messenger - Uniden America Corp. and Philips recently introduced phones that make the Windows Live Call feature for Windows Live Messenger available in North America and Europe.

• Microsoft LifeCams optimized for Windows Live Messenger - Microsoft Hardware and the Windows Live services group announced last week a line of webcams that are designed for use with Windows Live Messenger.

• Sharing Folders - Now sharing is as easy as dragging and dropping a file. Customers can more easily share their files and personal photos with family, friends and colleagues on their Windows Live Messenger Contact List.

• Windows Live Contacts - Contact information is always current with Windows Live Contacts in Windows Live Messenger.

• Integration with Windows Live services - Windows Live Messenger integrates with other Windows Live services such as Windows Live Search, Windows Live Local, Windows Live Mail and MSN Spaces.