Yes, you did not misread the title, MSN Messenger is no more! The next version of MSN Messenger will no longer be called MSN Messenger 8 but will go under the name Windows Live Messenger 8.
Now the first question that probably will rise to your mind is why?!?!
To make a very long story short, Microsoft is re-branding its major sections. On one side you will have the MSN section, and the other hand you will have the Live section, consisting out of Office Live, Mail (previously hotmail) and Windows Live Messenger.
And your next question will probably be what ?!?
Apart from the name change the butterfly will retire, and the new client is going to be even more integrated with Mail, Search, Media Player and Office. The user interface is also getting a make-over and is going to be much like the new mail look.
What’s new in Windows Live Messenger?
Yes, stunningly that’s it for now but maybe they have a few more tricks up their sleeves. But this is how Microsoft describes the new features:
Voice calling? How will that work?
This feature will let users who sign up for Windows Live phone call (provided by a Microsoft partner) to easily call landline and mobile phones. You will be able to set up a Windows Live phone call account through the Messenger interface and start making calls within minutes. You will be able to purchase minutes upfront, then add minutes when your balance runs low. One of the great things about this will be the affordable domestic and international calls you will be able to make.
You will still be able to make PC-to-PC calls for free, with no need to sign up for Windows Live phone call account, so long as you and your Messenger contact both have compatible speakers and microphones (or headsets).
What are Sharing Folders?
Sharing Folders will be a new and simple way for you to share personal photos, documents, and files with your Messenger contacts. You will be able to create a Sharing Folder by simply dragging files onto a contact name in Messenger. This will create an exact copy of the files on both you and your contact’s computers, and create a Sharing Folder that can be accessed from Messenger, and on the desktop.
I can already share documents using e-mail. So what’s the big deal?
The Sharing Folder will be easier than e-mail for sharing photos and documents. In a Sharing Folder, any time a file in the folder is added, modified, or deleted, those changes will be synchronized with the person you’re sharing with. The Sharing File icon in Messenger will also show you a gleam on a contact so you will know when a Sharing File has been updated. And it’s a simple drag-and-drop to share files, even simpler than the “send file†and “save as†functions you are already familiar with in Messenger.
The Sharing Folders will work pretty much like the PC folder experience you already know, so it will make sense right away. Just like in Windows, you will be able to drag-and-drop, get different views of files, copy, paste, etc. You will be able to access a Sharing Folder from your desktop, to manage files whether online or offline. And a Sharing Folder requires virtually zero setup or configuration, and efficiently handles file synchronization without any fuss.
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John!,
Raymond does NOT need you or anyone else to come to his defence – he does a superb job and is is held in very great affection and respect by people like me who now know he is often the first port of call when we have a problem and need answers.
My affectionate criticism was because whilst drawing attention to yet another Micro$oft \’NEW\’ product – instead of merely commenting – he copied their usual crap about how good this \’NEW\’ product range is. I expect his usual candid and honest critique. What I DON\’T need is another opportunity to read their blurb.
The FACT of the matter is that Live Messenger is a cripple. The fact that you may have been using it ALLEGEDLY without problems in no way detracts from the FACTS in my earlier posting !!!!! Don\’t take my word for it – Google it ! The fact that SOME software – especially new software – may be buggy on SOME individual systems – also does NOT detract from the fact that huge numbers of people suffer from these problems with MSN Messenger – and have been doing so for years (RECORDED FACT) – and NOT ONCE have M$N / Micro$oft deigned to respond !!!!
Whilst it is not pertinant to this thread – MSN Groups – whilst a free service for years – has nevertheless resulted in ordinary people spending many millions of their $ on producing their own Communities which they have spend years of loving care on. Some have even taken the form of Help Forums not unlike our friend Raymonds. Over the past 2 years MSN have slowly and surrepticiously disabled essential elements and tools within Groups to make them almost unusable now. The smug answer from M$N is that they are busy revamping Groups into Live Groups to be launched shortly. It is perfectly clear that the replacement will cease to be Groups as we know them and become simple Blog sites – which is NOT what people want. This is yet another cynical disregard for the people M$N enticed into their world of Groups – only to later destroy the origonal concept and replace it with a \’pay-as-you-go\’ option as they did a couple of years ago with \”World Groups\” !
Merlin:
Nowhere in Ray’s article did he mention that the Live Messenger is a good tool. He was explaining that the next version of MSN Messenger will no longer be called MSN Messenger 8 but will go under the name “Windows Live Messenger 8.” Additionally he described what MICROSOFT claims is the new and improved. And last but not least, not all software works the same on every machine.
You also know as well as I do that the next problem that occurs when using Windows Live Messenger will be explained by Ray how to fix it; it won’t be Microsoft.
Oh…and by the way…I’ve been using Windows Live Messenger with no problems at all, hmmmm.
Raymond,
I have the utmost respect for the service you offer and doff my cap to you. Your site is invaluable.
HOWEVER ! Please do not propogate the myth that Live Messenger is a good tool! It is so full of bugs that I am amazed they dared to release it. A simple search of Google using phrases such as “My Messenger Live causes PC freezes and Ms. Word to freeze for lengthy periods requiring reboots” or “My Messenger Live seems to use massive amounts of resources and causes webcam and audio freezes” ………. will pull up copious numbers of forums bewailing these complaints. In NOT ONE instance over 18 months has there been an official Ms. response.
Is it possible that you could perhaps use your enviable talents to research these problems, please?
Warmest regards
Merlin_Magii