RSSWindows Live Messenger Goes Public
By Ed Oswald | Published May 9, 2006, 12:55 PM
Microsoft on Tuesday opened up its Windows Live Messenger Beta to the public, as well as introducing bundled VoIP service Windows Live Call in six additional markets. Additionally, Uniden and Philips have introduced cordless phones that would be compatible with the Live Call service.
The Live Call service is being provided by Verizon in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Spain. Beginning next week, Live Call will expand to Austria, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands, the company said.
Windows Live Contacts will also be used in the service, allowing for a single contact list across Windows Live Mail, Messenger and Spaces. Users can choose which contacts they want updated automatically, and as that contact updates their information, it would be updated in the users contact list.
"With powerful sharing, collaboration and communications tools designed to put the user firmly in control of their communications experience, Windows Live Messenger is a key part of the foundation of Windows Live," MSN and Windows Live corporate vice president Martin Taylor said.
"The several million consumers already in the managed beta have been giving us great feedback, and we're excited to make the beta of Windows Live Messenger to users worldwide."
The Windows Live Messenger service counts some 230 million users worldwide, Microsoft claims.
Download Windows Live Messenger Beta via FileForum.
Does anyone know when Live Call is coming to Canada?
Score: 0
|This is simply fantastic. It's getting better and better. The video and audio call qaulity are great. The general look and feel is sweet. Kudos Microsoft
Score: 0
|I like the messenger program a lot. I use it to share folders and this feature has come in very handy. I support many customers and it is easy to put software udates and apps in the folder for them to take as I inform them.
The live mail is slow and has to refresh everytime you click. I hope this changes, because I like hotmail but still thinks it needs revision. I have had a hotmail account for some time and do not wish to change due to its lethargic operating mode.
Score: 0
|I signed up for Hotmail some time ago, and used the option to sweep my mailbox with Outlook Express, which is convenient since I have several email accounts.
Microsoft put a stop to allowing people to access their mail that way, for security reasons, but grandfathered those who were already doing it.
My question is, if I "upgrade" now from Hotmail to Windows Live Messenger, will I be able to keep that ability to sweep my account? I haven't seen anything from Microsoft on that, although I've had messages inviting me to switch.
Does anyone know the answer to this?
Score: 0
|Far better than the previous version.Easy to see, view and with many extra features. I really like it.
Score: 0
|It's also the end of the Managed Beta for a launch in june ! (in the same time as Live Mail)
Antoine
http://www.lapytsh.com
Score: 0
|I don't like it. Too big and slow 4 my computer.
I guess it won't take a long time being exposured by some security issues. M$ always deserve these to draw public attention.
I would like use their web-based proxy as client.
Score: 0
|I prefered the older beta look where you could do stuff with each contact from the contact list via icons. They seemed to go back to a more 7.5 look in then end although it has changed again slightly in this latest beta it is still more 7.5 than the earlier betas.
Still it's a good app and i will stick with it.
Score: 0
|As a beta tester for over 5 months.. I could say that this program is excelent! A million times better than msn 7.5 and much more features!
Score: 0
|I am interested in VOIP. With this instant messenger, you can only call out -- no calls in. I like Yahoo IM -- I get a phone number that people can call from any land-line phone or I can call them. This is my only phone except for a cell that I use on the road. 3 bucks a month and @ 2 cents/minute to anywhere in the country. Sure beats the phone company!
Score: 0
|15MB Download. That's bigger than IE7 and Firefox put together! LOL
Score: 0
|Finally!!!
Score: 0
|I really love Windows Live Messenger! It's truly the best messenger there out there. I love that they added offline messneging and color schemes!
- Josh
Score: 0
|http://www.microsoft.com...8WLMessengerOpenPR.mspx
its official now!
Score: 0
|Hey Beatanews did you get it right this time cause you had this story up months ago then we found out that It was an error in the system and put it back to invite only service
Score: 0
|boo hoo
Score: 0
|Actually, it's been open-regsitration for a while now... you just had to sign up for it and then they were pretty much approving anyone.
Score: 0
|I've been using WLM since the early betas, its just gotten better and better. I love the newest release and can't wait for the final. I never really LIKED MSN Messenger, but I used it. I do like WLM. :) Way to go MS.
Score: 0
|Do you still have to register, or can existing MSN Messenger 7.5 just log-in into WLM Beta without going to ideas.live.com?
Score: 0
|Yes, you still need to register your passport e-mail address.
Score: 0
|