Windows Live Messenger beta
Published: 10 May 2006
As part of Microsoft's plans to rebrand its MSN properties with the Windows Live label, the company's popular IM client is also getting a makeover and a name change. The beta version of Windows Live Messenger is open for public testing and will eventually replace MSN Messenger. To view the features, check out our Windows Live Messenger beta screenshot gallery.
As instant-messaging providers compete to give users a complete communications hub, Windows Live Messenger matches the features of its main rival, Yahoo Messenger with Voice. Microsoft's new IM client offers the usual animated emoticons, plus free PC-to-PC calling, video chat and VoIP capabilities that allow you to call telephones around the world for a fee. One major omission, though, is the ability to receive inbound calls from landlines or mobile phones -- a service that Yahoo offers.
We like Windows Live Messenger's Sharing Folders feature, which sets it apart from the competition by allowing you to transfer files to and from your contact's computer by saving a mirror of each others' files on your desktops. With security precautions in mind, Microsoft includes a free file scanner to check Sharing Folders for viruses and other potential threats. Another welcome change is Windows Live Messenger beta's ability to store up to 600 contacts, integrated with those from your Windows Live Mail beta account.
With younger users in mind, Microsoft allows more options than Yahoo does for customising Messenger's interface colours and backgrounds. Yet unlike the free avatars offered by Yahoo Messenger with Voice, Windows Live Messenger beta offers third-party dynamic display pictures for a fee. For more details on the features, check out our screenshot gallery.
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