Tuesday, 20 June 2006

Microsoft Releases Windows Live Messenger

Microsoft has releasesed Windows Live Messenger, one of the first of more than 20 new Windows Live services to launch globally over the course of the year. Windows Live Messenger goes beyond the traditional instant messaging (IM) service, enabling people to connect and share, with free PC-to-PC calls and inexpensive calls from a PC to phones around the world, video calling, easy sharing with Sharing Folders, and more.

"Windows Live is all about giving consumers the tools and services they need to be in control as they stay connected to the people they care about, on top of the information that is important to them, and better protected across all their online activities," said Martin Taylor, corporate vice president of Windows Live and MSN at Microsoft. "The launch of Windows Live Messenger represents a significant 'down payment' on the Windows Live vision and an important milestone for the business. We’re proud and excited to release this product to consumers, who have helped shape the service during our beta process so we could deliver an experience that unifies their online communications experience across voice, video, sharing and more."

Features of Windows Live Messenger include the following:

• Video Call
• Windows Live Call with Verizon Web Calling service
• Cordless phones designed exclusively for Windows Live Messenger
• Microsoft LifeCams optimized for Windows Live Messenger
• Sharing Folders
• Windows Live Contacts
• Integration with Windows Live services