After a brief testing period, Microsoft has officially upgraded its instant messaging client to a new version – Windows Live Messenger (WLM) today (June 20).
Windows Live Messenger, formerly known as MSN Messenger, is a free tool that allows Internet users to communicate online, similar to Yahoo Messenger.
Unlike MSN Messenger, which primarily allowed text exchanges, WLM also offers video calling functionality, easy file sharing capabilities, and many other features.
WLM is one of the first products to launch under Microsoft’s new “Live” branding. The software company is in the process of renaming several products and releasing new software under the “Live” name as part of its campaign to promote web-based products. In this area, Microsoft faces intense competition from companies like Google and Yahoo…
Also yesterday, Yahoo launched a beta version of Yahoo Messenger, integrating a voice chat application that includes free plug-ins designed for tasks such as retrieving transaction information on eBay, finding friends on Amazon.com, and real-time communication with partners…
The upgraded Yahoo Messenger includes support for 20 different languages. The American English version even comes with over 20 free plug-ins and mini-apps to enhance the chat program.
Created by Yahoo and third-party developers, the plug-ins allow users to perform various tasks within the instant messaging application.
For example, the eBay plug-in enables users to track item listings and personal transactions on eBay; the Amazon.com plug-in allows users to view trending and “hot” news and share it easily with friends.
