Steve Ballmer gave students in Brazil a sneak peak of the new Windows Live Messenger service today and while TechRadar didn't exactly have the full Brazilian treatment, we were whisked to Microsoft's offices in London to be given the low down on just what to expect from the new Messenger service.
This seems to be one of the biggest overhauls of the messaging service yet and one which roots Messenger firmly in both the cloud and on to PCs.
It is also the most socially aware Messenger, with Microsoft hoping you will use it as the main place for all your social-networking needs.
So read on to find out just what will be available in the latest iteration of Messenger which has a UK release date - in beta - this Summer.
1 It will work seamlessly with Windows 7
This is a Messenger very much aimed at users of the latest Windows OS – Windows 7. The new Messenger won't support XP and although it will be Vista compatible, you will find that it works best with Window 7 as it utilises the OS' taskbar.
Messenger will be applied straight to the taskbar, so you will have easy access to the client. You will also be able to instantly access your favourites list from here, making the Messenger icon a thing of the past.
2 Two modes available
If you are a traditionalist, you will be pleased to hear that Microsoft hasn't tinkered with the look of Messenger too much. In fact, at first glance, the layout is very similar as the compact version used today. There is another option, however and that is to see Messenger as a tabbed version (see below). Microsoft is offering up both options so as not to rock the boat too much.
3 Tabbed conversations
We've all been accustomed with tabs – Google uses them to great effect on its Chrome browser. Microsoft has taken this on board and added tabbed conversations to Messenger. This nicely clears up the clutter of windows which happens when you sepak to multiple people on IM. We'll have to try it out to see if it's actually as good as it sounds, but this could well be a killer feature for Messenger.
4 More personalisation and sharing
Messenger can now be more personalised than ever. Not only can you share photos and add status updates – which you could do before – you can now add URLs into your update which will show a snippet of the web page you are linking too. You can also add whatever social networks you want into Messenger, so you can cater the landing page to how you want it to look, with what content you want to see. You can also share your status updates with all your social networks.
5 Search integration
This is one of the more intriguing aspects of Messenger. If you are, say, talking about a band then Messenger will add a dynamic link to the name, which means you can click it to see more about the band you are talking about. The link will take you tovBing but you will be able to search within the Messenger window. Nice to see Microsoft utilising its other assets!
6 HD video recording
While Messenger has had video chat for a while, Microsoft has announced that it will be compatible with HD video chat. This does mean you will have to have an HD webcam for it to work, but it's great to see hi-def on board. You will also be able to chat in real time with the video. You can also play games and share games in real time too.
7 Better photo and video sharing
Microsoft wants Messenger to be the place for viewing and sharing photographs. To tempt you away from the likes of Flickr and Facebook, Wiundows Live Messenger will be able to integrate all your images from Windows Live, Facebook and whichever site you want and will let you share them with those who are on your Messenger list. You can also add YouTube links to the service which will pop up into the Messenger window and you can watch videos together with the person/people you are speaking to.
8 Introducing Messenger Connect
Messenger Connect is essentially an API that allows websites to integrate Messenger, so you can chat and share with your Messenger friends on (potentially) any website. This means friends can from different websites within Messenger so they don't have to be on loads of networks. That's right, Microsoft is letting other sites scale the walls of its garden!
9 Messenger for iPhone and Windows Mobile
It's official, Messenger will be available on the iPhone this summer. It will also be available on Windows Phones and, well, that's it for the moment. It seems that the likes of Android and BlackBerry aren't getting a look-in for the new Messenger app. That doesn't mean that they won't be available in the future though.
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