Microsoft update MSN Instant Messenger with version 7

Chat gets update

7 April 2005 15:22 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Microsoft has launched a new version of its MSN instant messenger application offering VoIP connectivity, blogging elements with MSN Spaces alongside a host of other features.

MSN 7 will also include a Video Conversation service, powered by Logitech, that will connect people with one-click synchronised audio and video, and offers full-screen video viewing.

New features include Winks, Dynamic Display Pictures and theme packs, a Shared Search button in the conversation window so people can find answers instantly through MSN Search while they continue their conversation. Photo-sharing options.

The new software even includes the ability for users to let others know what song thy are listening to on Windows Media Player or iTunes.

Also combined in the launch of the new service is MSN Spaces, a blogging service that will now be available in 15 languages and 30 markets worldwide. While MSN Messenger enables people to connect in real time, MSN Spaces augments their IM relationship by enabling people to connect on their own time, letting friends and family know they have something new to share via “gleam” notifications on their MSN Messenger contact list.

MSN Spaces is a dynamic online scrapbook where consumers can easily post blogs, photo albums, personal music lists and more, essentially telling the story of their life.

Customers have control over whom they share their Space with: limiting it to a few, sharing only with those on their MSN Messenger contact list, or opening it up to the worldwide Internet. New features in the latest release of MSN Spaces, which is available through MSN Messenger.

Microsoft also laid down plans to offer a PC-to-mobile solution that will allow customers to send IMs to friends and family who aren't on their PC. Customers in the UK will be able to send SMS text messages from MSN Messenger to mobile phones — even if the person they are sending to doesn't have an MSN Messenger account — and the mobile user can reply to the MSN Messenger user.3 This functionality will be launching in spring.

The new application is only available to Windows users.

Full tags

Software, PC software, Instant messaging, Microsoft, Yahoo