REDMOND, Washington - Microsoft has announced the availability of the new Windows Live Messenger for the general public. The WLM has been in beta for sometime though only private testers were allowed to use it by invitation only. This public version is also still in beta, but now the common consumer can play with it.
The beta of Windows Live Messenger is the extension of Microsoft's Windows Live initiative and includes a host of what are called "customer-driven" features. "Windows Live Messenger is changing the way people communicate and stay in touch.
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," said Martin Taylor, a corporate vice president at Microsoft.
Microsoft says that the new messenger has been introduced keeping in mind the demands of nearly 230 million users, who use the MSN Messenger service. "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," Taylor said.
Some of the enhanced features in the WLM beta are,
* Windows Live Call feature through Verizon Web Calling service.
* Contacts can be easily searched and even nicknamed
* Users can store up to 600 contacts.
* File sharing is easier in that users can simply drag and drop the files and the folder will have a record of what exactly was shared.
* Users will also be warned when they are sharing copyrighted material.
* The offline message feature has been included.
The Windows Live Messenger beta is available as a free download from the company's website.
