Considering the new
features that are available in the new MSN Messenger 6.0, it was
surprising that it was launched with little fanfare. Perhaps they
didn’t need any fanfare as the publicity was rampant that a new
version was out in beta (test version). Microsoft was stressing not to
use it due to the bugs inside. With this in mind, I have waited until
the final release to review and it looks like these bugs have been
sorted out.
Although not much of
an internet chatter, I do appreciate many of the new features of this
new version. The most interesting part is the Launch Site. Launch Site
offers games and programs that you can play with your Messenger
contacts. At the moment, it is limited to only several games:
checkers, solitaire, bejewelled and minesweeper games. However,
Microsoft plans to move all of its games from the MSN Gaming Zone to
Messenger's Launch Site. Other activities include a decision wheel,
tic tac toe and file sharing.
Microsoft is moving
Messenger well into the consumer market and now this push is being
further by the ability to create and customise emoticons such as
smileys, backgrounds to the Messenger windows and display pictures.
Display pictures display a particular graphic for each contact.
Other new features
in this version include the ability to log messages, the ability to
scan files received using Messenger using an external virus checker
such as Norton AntiVirus.
Perhaps the best
feature of this new version is the integrated support for web cameras.
Microsoft's competitors, in particular Yahoo and AOL have had this
feature for quite a while and it is surprising that Microsoft have
taken such a while to bring out their support for them. In earlier
versions of MSN Messenger, clicking on the webcam feature would launch
NetMeeting to conduct video and audio conferencing. Now this is all
available at the click of the "Webcam" or "Audio" buttons on the
toolbar.
For internet
chatters everywhere, MSN Messenger 6.0 could be their livelihood for
communication. Now with Webcam and Audio facilities and the Launch Site games
integrated this is a great program for communication with loved ones
and friends worthwhile – the only thing missing is the inability to
work with other chat clients.
My thanks to long time chat
friend, Ted for his help and assistance in previewing this software
with me and allowing me to screenshot our conversation.
