Windows Live Messenger

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Windows Live Messenger

Windows Live Messenger (formerly MSN Messenger) is a discontinued instant messaging client developed by Microsoft for Windows, Xbox 360, BlackBerry OS, iOS, Java ME, S60 on Symbian OS 9.x, and Zune HD. [1] It connected to the Microsoft Messenger service while also having compatibility with Yahoo! Messenger and Facebook Messenger. The client was very first released as MSN Messenger on July 22, 1999, and was marketed under the MSN branding until two thousand five when it was rebranded under Windows Live and has since been officially known by its present name, albeit its previous name was still used colloquially by most of its users. [Two] [Trio] In June 2009, Microsoft reported the service attracted over three hundred thirty million active users each month, placing Messenger among the most widely used instant messaging clients in the world.

Windows XP and later
OS X
Windows Mobile
Windows Phone
Symbian OS 9.x
BlackBerry OS
iOS
Windows CE
Xbox 360

Following the acquisition of Skype Technologies in May 2011, Microsoft added interoperability inbetween Skype and Microsoft accounts, permitting Skype (which had features unique to its platform and a broader user base) to communicate with Messenger contacts. In 2013, Windows Live Messenger was discontinued and Microsoft began ceasing service to existing clients. The service in China remained active for another eighteen months, and ceased operations on October 31, 2014.

MSN Messenger (1999–2005) Edit

Before the product was renamed Windows Live Messenger, it was named "MSN Messenger" from one thousand nine hundred ninety nine to 2006. During that time, Microsoft released seven major versions as goes after. The very first version of MSN Messenger Service, version 1.0 (1.0.0863), was released July 22, 1999. It included only basic features, such as plain text messaging and a simplistic contact list. [Four] When it was very first released, it featured support for access to America Online’s AIM network. America Online continually attempted to block Microsoft from having access to their service until eventually the feature was liquidated, and it has not re-surfaced in any later versions of the software. [Five] AOL did this by exploiting a buffer overflow bug in AIM, which causes it to execute a bit of machine code sent by the server. When this code runs, it determines if the client is AIM and sends a message back to verify the client. [6] Since then, the software has only permitted connections to its own service, requiring a Windows Live ID (.NET Passport at that time) account to connect. Microsoft released the very first major update, version Two.0 (Two.0.0083), on November 16, 1999. It included a rotating advertising banner and the capability to customize the appearance of the talk window. It came as an install option for Windows Me. This version was followed the next year by version Trio.0 (Trio.0.0080), which was released May 29, 2000. It included file transfers and PC-to-PC and PC-to-phone audio capabilities with Net2Phone and Callserve, [7] two of the larger VoIP providers. [8]

Along with the release of Windows XP came version Four.6 of MSN Messenger, on October 23, 2001. It included major switches to the user interface, the capability to group contacts, and support for voice conversations. [9] In this version, the client software was renamed from "MSN Messenger Service" to just "MSN Messenger," while the underlying service became known as ".NET Messenger Service". This version was only compatible with Windows 95, 98, ME, NT Four.0, and 2000, because Microsoft provided a scaled-down fresh program for Windows XP, called Windows Messenger. Version Five.0 of MSN Messenger was released on October 24, 2002. It was the very first version that was permitted to be installed along with Windows Messenger on Windows XP. [Ten] It included UPnP (Universal Cork and Play) based file transfers, minor switches to the user interface artwork, and a Windows Media Player interface plug-in. [11]

The next year, version 6.0 of MSN Messenger was released July 17, 2003. MSN Messenger 6.0 was a major overhaul of the entire platform, upgrading its elementary text-based interface to include customizable elements such as emoticons, personalized avatars, and backgrounds. An update, version 6.1, focused on improvements to the conversation window, enabling users to hide the window framework and menu bar, and also the capability to switch the theme color. The theme color could be set differently for each user. Another update, version 6.Two, was released April 22, 2004, and it was the last version of the MSN Messenger six series. The most notable switches were a dedicated Mobile group for mobile contacts, a connection troubleshooter, and the Launch Site feature was renamed to Joy & Games.

MSN Messenger received a major upgrade to version 7.0 on April 7, 2005. This version brought wink features that were previously only available in threedegrees. This version also advertised items to sell to you including animated display pictures, emoticons and backgrounds. The contact list window style was also updated to match instant message windows. This version also introduced the Xbox Live Integration feature. This is the last version of MSN Messenger that runs on Windows ninety eight and Windows Me. This version also introduced digital ink and handwriting recognition support.

The last version of MSN Messenger before the name switch, version 7.Five, was released August 23, 2005. Fresh features included the Dynamic Backgrounds feature and the "msnim" protocol handler, which permitted Web sites to provide links which automatically add a contact or embark conversations. Additionally, a fresh Voice Clips feature permitted users to hold down F2 and record a message for a maximum of fifteen seconds and send it to the recipient. The window for conversations was switched slightly with an added movie button. This version also introduced the Windows Installer for its auto-update feature. [12]

Version 8.0–8.Five (2005–09) Edit

As part of Microsoft’s Windows Live effort, which rebranded many existing MSN services and programs, MSN Messenger was renamed "Windows Live Messenger" beginning with version 8.0.

The very first beta of the freshly renamed Windows Live Messenger, Beta 1, was released on December 13, 2005. [Three] Major switches and additions included offline messaging, an option to switch the color theme of the windows, separated send and search boxes, a word wheel search box in the main window, and extra details for contacts when hovering over their names in the contact list window.

The 2nd beta of version 8.0, Beta Two, was released on February 26, 2006. [Three] The overall theme of this version was improved, fixing and improving several smaller places in the program. Major switches and additions included the introduction of Windows Live Contacts, the reintroduction of single file transfer, improvements to the "Add a Contact" dialog box, improved color themes, minor switches in the conversation window, and revert of the "Busy" status icon back to the normal dash icon. [13]

The final beta version, Beta Three, was released on May Two, 2006. [Trio] Major switches and additions included fresh icons for the program, PC-to-phone calling, an updated look for the Windows Live Call window, a fresh default display picture, the Windows Live Today window, improvements to the grouping of sequential messages from each contact, Rhapsody integration in the U.S., and an option for sounds to be edited and/or turned off. [14]

The official release of Windows Live Messenger version 8.0 was on June Nineteen, 2006. [Three] Albeit no notable switches were made inbetween Beta three and the final version, [15] the switch from MSN Messenger to Windows Live Messenger brought some extra switches, such as customization for the nicknames of individual contacts, timestamps on messages, the capability to see a contact’s name only once if the same person writes numerous messages in a row, and color schemes for the entire application. The main authentication system, Microsoft Passport Network, was substituted with Windows Live ID at the same time. A refresh to version 8.0 was released on August Ten, 2006. [Trio] It included audio and movie improvements and stationary up minor bugs. [16]

The very first update to Windows Live Messenger was previewed on October 30, 2006, with the release of Beta one of version 8.1. [Three] No major switches were made, but several minor switches were included. These include the addition of the wandering identity feature (so that the same user’s display name and picture would show up on any computer), a fresh contact card appearance, a "recently used" list for the emoticon, wink, display picture and background menus, an SMS phone book in the main menu permitting the association and editing of a phone number to the contact and permitting text messaging to a contact, a "sign out" button, a "report manhandle" option in the help menu, interoperability with Yahoo! Messenger, and improvements to user status on Windows Vista [17]

A minor update, the Windows Live Messenger 8.1 Beta one Refresh, was released on December 13, 2006, [Trio] and immobilized bugs that were causing some people to be incapable to sign in and others incapable to see their contact list. [Eighteen]

The final version 8.1 was released on January 29, 2007. [Trio] No switches were made from the Beta one Refresh. [Nineteen] All versions of Windows Live Messenger below version 8.1 were rendered obsolete on September 12, 2007, due to a security issue identified when a user accepts a webcam or movie talk invitation from an attacker. [20]

On September 12, 2007, the Windows Live Messenger blog posted a fix that resolved a security problem. It reported of a security vulnerability in versions of Messenger older than 8.1, that the released fix would resolve. This led to an auto-update being released to all older versions. Versions running on Windows two thousand and below were required to update to a fresh version of MSN Messenger 7.0, and versions running on Windows XP and above were required to update to Windows Live Messenger 8.1. [20]

On August 27, 2009, the Windows Live Messenger blog posted that due to a security problem, all users of versions 8.1 and newer need to update to the latest version, 14.0.8089. The mandatory upgrade requirement would be fully phased in by late October two thousand nine and began on September 15, 2009.

The very first beta of Windows Live Messenger 8.Five, Beta 1, was released on May 31, 2007. [Three] An update was released on June 21, 2007, to test updates being installed by Microsoft Update. This version required Windows XP SP2, compared to previous versions requiring Windows XP SP1. It was the very first version to be installed in a "Windows Live" folder under "Program Files," with the shortcuts placed in a "Windows Live" folder in the Commence Menu.

Major switches and additions in Beta one included a fresh installation program in conjunction with the release of Windows Live Two.0, a fresh look for all of its windows that matches the aesthetic styles of Windows Vista, [21] a fresh "bunny" emoticon, [22] and integration with Windows Live OneCare Family Safety. [23] Beginning with this version, updates could be downloaded and installed through Microsoft Update.

The 2nd beta of Windows Live Messenger 8.Five, Beta Two, was released on September Five, 2007. [24] Several issues were stationary in Beta Two, but no significant switches were applied. Compared with the very first beta, the build does not say "Beta" on the top of the window, albeit developers had noted that it was not the final release. The fresh Windows Live Installer, which is used to install Windows Live Messenger 8.Five Beta Two, does not run on Windows Server 2003.

The final release of Windows Live Messenger version 8.Five was released on November 6, 2007, and it introduced no major switches. [25]

Version 14.0–16.Four (2009–2012) Edit

Windows Live Messenger two thousand nine was originally designated version 9.0, it was later assigned the technical version number 14.0, in order to be unified with the other Windows Live programs and Microsoft Office programs.

In a presentation to the Georgia Institute of Technology’s IEEE Student Branch, Microsoft employee Andrew Jenks reported that the Messenger team had been working on multi-person audio/movie talk, and they are also attempting to create interoperability with AIM/XMPP/ICQ. There is a basic internal version that works with XMPP already. [26] However, these features were not seen in any versions of Windows Live Messenger 2009.

Microsoft sent an invitation to participate in the Windows Live Messenger "9" beta program to Microsoft Connect members on November 20, 2007; a week later, Microsoft began sending out emails welcoming them to the Windows Live Messenger "9" beta program for the very first release, known as Beta 0.

A fan site for Windows Live Messenger, Mess.be, claimed to have a fresh build of Windows Live Messenger "9" on August 11, 2008, and published screenshots along with a brief summary of fresh features. The screenshots featured a fresh user interface design matching the "Wave Three" design in development by Microsoft. The photos were later eliminated by the site after a DMCA notice was received. [27] The installer for the same build was leaked through private forums on August 23, 2008. It would later be discovered this build was a preview of Milestone Two, or M2.

News web site LiveSide published an article on September Four, 2008, with screenshots of M2 of the freshly minted "Windows Live Messenger 2009," which had become version 14.0 instead of 9.0 as previously expected. LiveSide summarized its fresh features, including protection against messaging spam, the capability to stay signed into the application from several computers (referred to as "Numerous Points of Presence Support"), animated GIF files in the photo area, per-contact customized sounds for various user deeds, and clickable URLs in the status area. [28]

Microsoft began the official beta program for Windows Live Messenger two thousand nine on September 17, 2008, when it released a fresh beta officially known as Windows Live Messenger two thousand nine Beta (Milestone Three, Build 14.0.5027.908), which was made available to the general public as a free download. The capability to submit feedback, however, was restricted to select participants of the Microsoft Connect closed beta program.

Notable switches in Milestone three include a fresh revamped and refined user interface to go after suit with the rest of the Windows Live "Wave Three" design, the capability to set a "Scene" by customizing the background picture and color of the contact list, and the display of these scenes in conversation windows for improved contact identification and window management.

Milestone three also brings a fresh "Groups" feature that permits users to create a continuous group conversation inbetween select contacts, freshly redesigned status icons which now resemble petite gems rather than the previous "Messenger Mate" icons, a fresh default "Favorites" category in which you can place your dearest contacts for effortless access to them, a fresh Photo Sharing utility that permits contacts to quickly and lightly browse photos together, and a "What’s Fresh" section at the bottom of the contact list to outline latest contact updates. Display pictures have been moved over to the left side of conversation windows, and fresh colorful borders show up around display pictures to display the current status of that contact. Milestone three is the very first version of Windows Live Messenger to use the standard window framework on Windows Vista in accordance with the user practice guidelines.

Several features were liquidated in version 9.0 however, such as the capability to use add-ins, the capability to transfer files when the recipient is signed in as offline, the "Be right back," "Out to lunch," and "In a call" status options, [29] the Go to my space button, the capability to adjust webcam settings during a movie call, the Send button, [30] some games (depending on your localization) and integration with Windows Contacts. [31] Other features were substituted, such as Sharing Folders [32] (substituted by integration with Windows Live SkyDrive) and background sharing (substituted by the "Scene" feature).

On December 15, 2008, Windows Live Messenger two thousand nine RC (Build 14.0.8050.1202) was released together with the other Windows Live Wave three software applications, now renamed as Windows Live Essentials. [33] This version eyed a removal of the custom-made sign-in sound feature however it is still possible to select a sound for other individuals, as well as switches to how the background pic chosen is applied to the conversation windows. This build also included over two hundred bug fixes including the "Custom-made Emoticon Bug" and saving of pictures when using the Photo sharing feature. On January 7, 2009, the same build was released as the final version of Windows Live Messenger 2009. [34]

The last QFE update for Wave three was released on May 12, 2010, and spotted the removal of some features from Windows Live Messenger. Specifically, the capability to independently display only your own webcam or your contacts’ webcam (one way webcam) and without an audio call is gone. [35] It is only possible to commence a movie call which starts the webcams of both people communicating and which also automatically starts audio calling. Also eliminated is the capability to import and save/export instant messaging contacts to and from .CTT files. [36]

On June 14, 2012, Microsoft has made the update from two thousand nine to two thousand eleven mandatory for those using Windows Vista or 7. Two thousand nine resumes to be usable for those still running XP. [37] This can be circumvented by running Windows Live Messenger in Windows XP compatibility mode, thus making it believe it is running on Windows XP. [38]

In late March 2010, a beta of Windows Live Essentials Wave four was leaked onto the internet and has since spread to various BitTorrent networks, which included a private beta build of Windows Live Messenger Wave Four. However, as the software was designed for private beta testing, non-beta testers cannot sign into this leaked build. [39]

The fresh software features a revamped interface which brings the "What’s fresh" section of Windows Live to the fresh "social pane", similar to the way a social networking site presents updates. Among the fresh features are tabbed conversations, a redesign of the old emoticons, integration of Bing results, built-in movie message support, HD movie talk, in-line commenting of social updates, a fresh social photo viewer that supports commenting (for Facebook and SkyDrive photos), badges support, synchronised status updates, availability by categories, as well as integration with Facebook talk. However, several features had also been eliminated from the previous version, such as the removal of display names, handwriting device, [40] one-way webcam requests and import/export of instant messaging contacts feature. The "Wave Four" release of Windows Live Essentials, which includes Messenger, also dropped compatibility with Windows XP and only runs on Windows Vista or Windows 7. [41]

The fresh Windows Live Messenger for the iOS became available on the App Store on June 21, 2010, in addition to other mobile versions of Windows Live Messenger for Windows Phone, BlackBerry, and Symbian mobile platforms. [42]

On June 24, 2010, a public beta of Windows Live Messenger Wave four was released as part of the fresh Windows Live Essentials beta. [43] A "beta refresh" of Windows Live Messenger Wave four was released on August 17, 2010, as part of an upgraded Windows Live Essentials beta. [44] The final version of Windows Live Messenger two thousand eleven (Wave Four) was released on September 30, 2010. [45] On the same date, a version of Windows Live Messenger for Zune HD also became available. [46] [47]

On August 7, 2012, Microsoft delivered a fresh version of the Windows Essentials two thousand twelve suite, which includes Windows Live Messenger 2012. [48] [49]

Discontinuation Edit

On November 6, 2012, Microsoft announced that Messenger and Skype services would merge in the very first quarter of 2013. According to Tony Bates (president of Skype Division at the time), Messenger users could sign into Skype using their Microsoft accounts, access their Messenger contacts and communicate as usual. [50] [51] On January 8, 2013, Microsoft emailed Messenger users and informed them that with the exception of mainland China, the Messenger service would stop working on March 15, 2013, and users would not be able to sign in. [52]

On February 15, 2013, ZDNet wrote the discontinuation email was only sent to one percent of Messenger users, a test group. [53] On the same day, Microsoft announced its plans to phase out Messenger: The process would begin on April 8, 2013, with English users and would end on April 30, 2013; Messenger would remain available in mainland China. [54] According to ZDNet, this might only apply to the capability to sign in with Messenger client; Microsoft would keep its Messenger service running for another year. [53] "Windows Live Messenger Upgrades to Skype," as they were referred to by Microsoft, embarked on April 8, 2013. This transition took place language by language. Brazil was the last country to be "upgraded," on April 30.

Chinese Messenger users received a mail from Microsoft in August 2014, containing an announcement that Messenger service in China would end on October 31, 2014; users were advised to migrate to Skype and receive free credits. [55] [56]

In addition to its basic functionality and general capability as an instant messaging client, the latest version of Windows Live Messenger suggested the following features:

Album Viewer Edit

Windows Live Messenger’s album viewer is based on Windows Photo Gallery and provides users a photo viewing practice for photo albums collective via SkyDrive and Facebook. The album viewer is interactive and supports utter screen and slideshow modes, as well as viewing and uploading comments on Facebook and SkyDrive albums. It also supports people tagging for SkyDrive. The album viewer closely resembles the Microsoft Silverlight counterpart for web photo albums present on SkyDrive.

Emerge offline to individuals or categories Edit

Windows Live Messenger permit users to emerge offline to particular individual contacts, as well as to an entire category within Windows Live Messenger, while appearing online to other contacts.

This is a latest feature of Windows Live Messenger 2011, and is a departure from the previous versions of Windows Live Messenger, where blocking a contact would prevent the "blockee" from sending the user any messages to the "blocker". With the "show up offline to" configuration presently implemented, "hidden from" users can still send "offline messages" to the target. [57]

Social networks integration Edit

Users can connect services such as Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn using Windows Live Profile, and display their contact’s Messenger social updates within the "Total view" of Windows Live Messenger. Users can also post status updates and photos directly to the connected services within Windows Live Messenger. Additionally, Messenger also imports all contacts from the connected services and integrates with Facebook Talk (via the XMPP protocol) for instant messaging support with users on Facebook.

Offline messaging Edit

One can send messages to contacts who are offline; they will receive the messages once they come online. Additionally, a user can begin conversations even when his or her status is set to Emerge Offline in Windows Live Messenger two thousand nine or before.

Games and applications Edit

There are various games and applications available in Windows Live Messenger that can be accessed via the conversation window by clicking on the games icon, and challenging your friend or contact to a competition in a game, or inviting them to launch a collective outer application.

Messenger Companion Edit

Windows Live Messenger Companion was an add-in for Windows Internet Explorer that detects when a user is on a website that one of their friends has collective content from and surfaces that update so that the user can instantly view what their friends have collective and leave a comment to the collective content on Windows Live. [58] The service utilizes Windows Live ID and integrates tightly with Windows Live Messenger to obtain the user’s contact list and their collective contents. The features of Windows Live Messenger Companion include:

Sharing links to webpages with the user’s friends on Windows Live within the web browser
See links to webpages the user’s friends have collective
Add comments to the links the user’s friends have collective

Windows Live Messenger Companion was made available as part of Windows Live Essentials 2011. However, Microsoft discontinued Messenger Companion in its newer Windows Essentials two thousand twelve suite.

Protocol Edit

Windows Live Messenger used the Microsoft Notification Protocol (MSNP) over TCP (and optionally over HTTP to deal with proxies) to connect to Microsoft Messenger service—a service suggested on port one thousand eight hundred sixty three of "messenger.hotmail.com."

The protocol is not totally secret; Microsoft disclosed version two (MSNP2) to developers in one thousand nine hundred ninety nine in an Internet Draft, [59] but never released versions eight or higher to the public. The Messenger service servers presently only accept protocol versions from eight and higher, so the syntax of fresh directives sent from versions eight and higher is only known by using packet sniffers like Wireshark. This has been an effortless task because – in comparison to many other modern instant messaging protocols, such as XMPP – the Microsoft Notification Protocol does not provide any encryption and everything can be captured lightly using packet sniffers. The lack of decent encryption also makes wiretapping friend lists and individual conversations a trivial task, especially in unencrypted public Wi-Fi networks.

Content filtering Edit

The content of users’ messages is filtered on server side of the client. For example, the user can’t send the links to The Pirate Bay’s pages neither from the Windows Live Messenger, nor through other clients supporting the protocol. However, links to other P2P networks are permitted. [60]

"i’m" initiative Edit

The i’m initiative was a program Microsoft launched in March 2007, that connects the user with ten organizations dedicated to social causes through Windows Live Messenger, only for conversations sent or received in the USA. Every time someone had a conversation using i’m, Microsoft Corp. collective a portion of the program’s advertising revenue with the organization of the user’s choice. There was no set cap on the amount donated to each organization. The more i’m conversations the user had, the more money went to one of the ten causes. Each participating organization was ensured a minimum donation of $100,000 during the very first year of the program. The i’m initiative worked with version 8.1 and above.

In March 2010, the initiative concluded, having raised over three million dollars. [61]

Messenger Mobile (formerly named Windows Live Messenger Mobile) is the version of Messenger that is aimed to be used in mobile devices over a cellular data plan or Wi-Fi (if supported by the phone). There is a WAP-compatible version that may be used on any mobile device, and also specific client versions designed for Windows Mobile, iOS, BlackBerry and Nokia Series sixty devices.

Windows Mobile Edit

A client version of Windows Live Messenger Mobile is a part of client application named "Windows Live for Windows Mobile" included with the Windows Mobile six operating system. It is included on both Windows Mobile six smartphone edition (non-touch screen phones) and professional (touch screen phones). Among other features you can send voice-clips (max ten seconds), pictures & emoticons.

Xbox Edit

Windows Live Messenger support was included in the Xbox three hundred sixty spring two thousand seven dashboard update released on May 9, 2007. [62] It was known as Xbox Live Messenger. [63]

Those using Windows Live Messenger are able to see the Gamertags of friends logged into Xbox Live, including the games they are playing. Xbox three hundred sixty users can talk in-game (or while watching a movie). Albeit only text talk is supported, Microsoft has suggested that voice and movie talking may come in a future update. [ citation needed ] Support for child accounts was added in December 2007.

To coincide with the arrival of the integration of Windows Live Messenger with Xbox Live, Microsoft released a fresh Xbox three hundred sixty keyboard adapter called the Xbox three hundred sixty Messenger Kit for lighter text input. The keyboard device affixes to the standard Xbox three hundred sixty controller through the headphone jack and features a QWERTY-style key layout with forty seven backlit keys. However, any USB keyboard is also compatible with the Xbox 360.

Microsoft also announced on June 14, two thousand ten that users on Xbox LIVE with the controller-free Kinect will be able to have real-time movie conversations with Windows Live Messenger contacts. This feature was enabled at launch. [64]

Mac Edit

Microsoft Messenger for Mac (previously MSN Messenger for Mac) was the official Mac OS X instant messaging client for use with Microsoft Messenger service, developed by the Macintosh Business Unit, a division of Microsoft. Its feature list was limited in comparison to that of its counterpart Windows Live Messenger; the client lacked a number of features that its Windows counterpart contained.

The versions Three.x and later of Microsoft Messenger for Mac featured fresh Aqua graphics, whereas version Two.x and below have graphics similar to Windows Messenger Four.0. Versions Five.x used the brushed metal theme.

Version Two.Five.1, update to version Two.Five, which is a mandatory update to version Two.1 that is available for users running Mac OS 9.Two.Two.
Version Trio.Five for Mac OS X revisions older than Ten.Two.8
Version Four.0.1 for Mac OS X revisions Ten.Two.8 and newer
Version Five.1.1 for Mac OS X revisions Ten.Trio and newer
Version 6.0.Trio for Mac OS X revisions Ten.Three.9 and newer
Version 7.0.0 for Mac OS X Ten.Four.9 or newer was released on April 29, 2008.
Version 7.0.1 for Mac OS X Ten.Four or later includes minor bug fixes.
Version 7.0.Two for Mac OS X Ten.Four or later: improves overall quality and conversations with Microsoft Office Communicator two thousand seven R2.
Version 8.0.0 beta for Mac OS X Ten.Five or later, for Intel Macs only: Official Beta released on March, 24th 2010. Adds A/V conferencing inbetween Mac OS X users and Windows Live Messenger two thousand nine users.
Version 8.0.0 for Mac OS X Ten.Five or later, for Intel Macs only: Released with Microsoft Office two thousand eleven for Mac in October two thousand ten and bears a visual similarity to previous Windows counterparts. It features somewhat more stable functional voice and movie calls.

With the release of Microsoft Messenger for Mac 7.0, Microsoft has discontinued the client’s support for older versions of their Corporate messaging systems (such as Live Communications Server 2005). [ citation needed ] The latest version to support these older systems is Version 6.0.Trio, which is still available for download on the Microsoft website.

Webcam and audio support was delayed due to Windows Live Messenger’s webcam and audio engine being reworked, which meant that the Mac version had to wait until this was finish in order for both platform releases to function correctly.

iOS Edit

The Windows Live Messenger for iOS client supports receiving of instant messaging notifications even when the application closed, and permits Numerous Points of Presence (MPOP) such that a user can be signed into numerous locations at the same time. Photos and albums can also be uploaded from the mobile devices onto Windows Live Photos, based on SkyDrive, and the application permits elementary photo editing capabilities and people tagging within the photos. The application also supports the "Messenger social" feed on Windows Live Profile, permitting users to view and comment on the social updates and activities of their contacts on Windows Live, as well as those on Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn once these social networks have been connected to Windows Live as a "Service".

Java ME Edit

Nokia Series forty Edit

The Windows Live Messenger Mobile client comes as a Java ME mobile application pre-loaded on devices such as Nokia 7610, Nokia 7510, Nokia 7210, Nokia 6700c, Nokia 6600s, Nokia 6303c, Nokia 6260s, Nokia 5220, Nokia 5130XM, Nokia 3720c, Nokia 3710f, Nokia, 3600s, Nokia 2730c, Nokia 2700c, Nokia 5530, Nokia 6303c and Nokia X3.

Sony Ericsson Edit

Windows Live Messenger Mobile client is also pre-loaded on most Sony Ericsson mobile devices as a Java ME application. [65]

Symbian Edit

A client for Windows Live Messenger was developed by Microsoft for the Symbian S60 Platform commonly used in mobile phones such as Nokia smartphones and released on August 23, 2007, to selected markets. In May 2009, the client was made available on the Ovi Store. This version of Windows Live Messenger includes many of the features of the Windows Live Messenger client, including grouped contacts, voice clips (max ten seconds), picture and file sending; as well as features unique to S60 such as tabbed talk windows and integration with contact list and other features of the S60 platform. [66] When the trial expires the cost to users of Messenger for S60 is £1.50/$Two.94 for thirty calendar days of use. [67] As of February 2009, Microsoft stopped charging for Windows Live Mobile and the service is now suggested for free. [68]

On October 13, 2005, Yahoo! and Microsoft announced plans to add interoperability inbetween their messenger services. [Sixty nine] The announcement came after years of third-party interoperability success (most notably, PowWow by Tribal Voice, [70] [71] Trillian, Pidgin) and criticisms from Tribal Voice and iCast that the major real time communications services were locking their networks. [72] Yahoo! and Windows Live Messenger became interoperable on July 12, 2006. [73] [74] For six years, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger users in possession of up-to-date software could communicate across the two networks. Instant messaging as well as transmission of emoticons, nudges, offline messages, presence information and private status messages were supported. [75] On December 14, 2012, the interoperability ended. [76]

Interoperability with Facebook Talk was added on September 30, two thousand ten with the launch of Windows Live Messenger 2011.

Windows Live Messenger

Windows Live Messenger (formerly MSN Messenger) is a discontinued instant messaging client developed by Microsoft for Windows, Xbox 360, BlackBerry OS, iOS, Java ME, S60 on Symbian OS 9.x, and Zune HD. [1] It connected to the Microsoft Messenger service while also having compatibility with Yahoo! Messenger and Facebook Messenger. The client was very first released as MSN Messenger on July 22, 1999, and was marketed under the MSN branding until two thousand five when it was rebranded under Windows Live and has since been officially known by its present name, albeit its previous name was still used colloquially by most of its users. [Two] [Three] In June 2009, Microsoft reported the service attracted over three hundred thirty million active users each month, placing Messenger among the most widely used instant messaging clients in the world.

Windows XP and later
OS X
Windows Mobile
Windows Phone
Symbian OS 9.x
BlackBerry OS
iOS
Windows CE
Xbox 360

MSN Messenger (1999–2005) Edit

Before the product was renamed Windows Live Messenger, it was named "MSN Messenger" from one thousand nine hundred ninety nine to 2006. During that time, Microsoft released seven major versions as goes after. The very first version of MSN Messenger Service, version 1.0 (1.0.0863), was released July 22, 1999. It included only basic features, such as plain text messaging and a simplistic contact list. [Four] When it was very first released, it featured support for access to America Online’s AIM network. America Online continually attempted to block Microsoft from having access to their service until eventually the feature was liquidated, and it has not re-surfaced in any later versions of the software. [Five] AOL did this by exploiting a buffer overflow bug in AIM, which causes it to execute a bit of machine code sent by the server. When this code runs, it determines if the client is AIM and sends a message back to verify the client. [6] Since then, the software has only permitted connections to its own service, requiring a Windows Live ID (.NET Passport at that time) account to connect. Microsoft released the very first major update, version Two.0 (Two.0.0083), on November 16, 1999. It included a rotating advertising banner and the capability to customize the appearance of the talk window. It came as an install option for Windows Me. This version was followed the next year by version Trio.0 (Three.0.0080), which was released May 29, 2000. It included file transfers and PC-to-PC and PC-to-phone audio capabilities with Net2Phone and Callserve, [7] two of the larger VoIP providers. [8]

Along with the release of Windows XP came version Four.6 of MSN Messenger, on October 23, 2001. It included major switches to the user interface, the capability to group contacts, and support for voice conversations. [9] In this version, the client software was renamed from "MSN Messenger Service" to just "MSN Messenger," while the underlying service became known as ".NET Messenger Service". This version was only compatible with Windows 95, 98, ME, NT Four.0, and 2000, because Microsoft provided a scaled-down fresh program for Windows XP, called Windows Messenger. Version Five.0 of MSN Messenger was released on October 24, 2002. It was the very first version that was permitted to be installed along with Windows Messenger on Windows XP. [Ten] It included UPnP (Universal Buttplug and Play) based file transfers, minor switches to the user interface artwork, and a Windows Media Player interface plug-in. [11]

The next year, version 6.0 of MSN Messenger was released July 17, 2003. MSN Messenger 6.0 was a major overhaul of the entire platform, upgrading its plain text-based interface to include customizable elements such as emoticons, personalized avatars, and backgrounds. An update, version 6.1, focused on improvements to the conversation window, enabling users to hide the window framework and menu bar, and also the capability to switch the theme color. The theme color could be set differently for each user. Another update, version 6.Two, was released April 22, 2004, and it was the last version of the MSN Messenger six series. The most notable switches were a dedicated Mobile group for mobile contacts, a connection troubleshooter, and the Launch Site feature was renamed to Joy & Games.

Version 8.0–8.Five (2005–09) Edit

As part of Microsoft’s Windows Live effort, which rebranded many existing MSN services and programs, MSN Messenger was renamed "Windows Live Messenger" beginning with version 8.0.

The final beta version, Beta Trio, was released on May Two, 2006. [Three] Major switches and additions included fresh icons for the program, PC-to-phone calling, an updated look for the Windows Live Call window, a fresh default display picture, the Windows Live Today window, improvements to the grouping of sequential messages from each contact, Rhapsody integration in the U.S., and an option for sounds to be edited and/or turned off. [14]

The official release of Windows Live Messenger version 8.0 was on June Nineteen, 2006. [Trio] Albeit no notable switches were made inbetween Beta three and the final version, [15] the switch from MSN Messenger to Windows Live Messenger brought some extra switches, such as customization for the nicknames of individual contacts, timestamps on messages, the capability to see a contact’s name only once if the same person writes numerous messages in a row, and color schemes for the entire application. The main authentication system, Microsoft Passport Network, was substituted with Windows Live ID at the same time. A refresh to version 8.0 was released on August Ten, 2006. [Trio] It included audio and movie improvements and immobile up minor bugs. [16]

The very first update to Windows Live Messenger was previewed on October 30, 2006, with the release of Beta one of version 8.1. [Three] No major switches were made, but several minor switches were included. These include the addition of the wandering identity feature (so that the same user’s display name and picture would emerge on any computer), a fresh contact card appearance, a "recently used" list for the emoticon, wink, display picture and background menus, an SMS phone book in the main menu permitting the association and editing of a phone number to the contact and permitting text messaging to a contact, a "sign out" button, a "report manhandle" option in the help menu, interoperability with Yahoo! Messenger, and improvements to user status on Windows Vista [17]

A minor update, the Windows Live Messenger 8.1 Beta one Refresh, was released on December 13, 2006, [Three] and immobile bugs that were causing some people to be incapable to sign in and others incapable to see their contact list. [Legitimate]

The final version 8.1 was released on January 29, 2007. [Three] No switches were made from the Beta one Refresh. [Nineteen] All versions of Windows Live Messenger below version 8.1 were rendered obsolete on September 12, 2007, due to a security issue identified when a user accepts a webcam or movie talk invitation from an attacker. [20]

The very first beta of Windows Live Messenger 8.Five, Beta 1, was released on May 31, 2007. [Trio] An update was released on June 21, 2007, to test updates being installed by Microsoft Update. This version required Windows XP SP2, compared to previous versions requiring Windows XP SP1. It was the very first version to be installed in a "Windows Live" folder under "Program Files," with the shortcuts placed in a "Windows Live" folder in the Commence Menu.

The final release of Windows Live Messenger version 8.Five was released on November 6, 2007, and it introduced no major switches. [25]

Version 14.0–16.Four (2009–2012) Edit

Notable switches in Milestone three include a fresh revamped and refined user interface to go after suit with the rest of the Windows Live "Wave Three" design, the capability to set a "Scene" by customizing the background photo and color of the contact list, and the display of these scenes in conversation windows for improved contact identification and window management.

Milestone three also brings a fresh "Groups" feature that permits users to create a continuous group conversation inbetween select contacts, freshly redesigned status icons which now resemble petite gems rather than the previous "Messenger Friend" icons, a fresh default "Favorites" category in which you can place your dearest contacts for effortless access to them, a fresh Photo Sharing utility that permits contacts to quickly and lightly browse photos together, and a "What’s Fresh" section at the bottom of the contact list to outline latest contact updates. Display pictures have been moved over to the left side of conversation windows, and fresh colorful borders emerge around display pictures to display the current status of that contact. Milestone three is the very first version of Windows Live Messenger to use the standard window framework on Windows Vista in accordance with the user practice guidelines.

On December 15, 2008, Windows Live Messenger two thousand nine RC (Build 14.0.8050.1202) was released together with the other Windows Live Wave three software applications, now renamed as Windows Live Essentials. [33] This version eyed a removal of the custom-built sign-in sound feature however it is still possible to select a sound for other individuals, as well as switches to how the background pic chosen is applied to the conversation windows. This build also included over two hundred bug fixes including the "Custom-built Emoticon Bug" and saving of pictures when using the Photo sharing feature. On January 7, 2009, the same build was released as the final version of Windows Live Messenger 2009. [34]

The last QFE update for Wave three was released on May 12, 2010, and spotted the removal of some features from Windows Live Messenger. Specifically, the capability to independently display only your own webcam or your contacts’ webcam (one way webcam) and without an audio call is gone. [35] It is only possible to begin a movie call which starts the webcams of both people communicating and which also automatically starts audio calling. Also eliminated is the capability to import and save/export instant messaging contacts to and from .CTT files. [36]

On June 14, 2012, Microsoft has made the update from two thousand nine to two thousand eleven mandatory for those using Windows Vista or 7. Two thousand nine proceeds to be usable for those still running XP. [37] This can be circumvented by running Windows Live Messenger in Windows XP compatibility mode, thus making it believe it is running on Windows XP. [38]

The fresh software features a revamped interface which brings the "What’s fresh" section of Windows Live to the fresh "social pane", similar to the way a social networking site presents updates. Among the fresh features are tabbed conversations, a redesign of the old emoticons, integration of Bing results, built-in movie message support, HD movie talk, in-line commenting of social updates, a fresh social photo viewer that supports commenting (for Facebook and SkyDrive photos), badges support, synchronised status updates, availability by categories, as well as integration with Facebook talk. However, several features had also been liquidated from the previous version, such as the removal of display names, handwriting device, [40] one-way webcam requests and import/export of instant messaging contacts feature. The "Wave Four" release of Windows Live Essentials, which includes Messenger, also dropped compatibility with Windows XP and only runs on Windows Vista or Windows 7. [41]

On August 7, 2012, Microsoft delivered a fresh version of the Windows Essentials two thousand twelve suite, which includes Windows Live Messenger 2012. [48] [49]

Discontinuation Edit

On February 15, 2013, ZDNet wrote the discontinuation email was only sent to one percent of Messenger users, a test group. [53] On the same day, Microsoft announced its plans to phase out Messenger: The process would commence on April 8, 2013, with English users and would end on April 30, 2013; Messenger would remain available in mainland China. [54] According to ZDNet, this might only apply to the capability to sign in with Messenger client; Microsoft would keep its Messenger service running for another year. [53] "Windows Live Messenger Upgrades to Skype," as they were referred to by Microsoft, embarked on April 8, 2013. This transition took place language by language. Brazil was the last country to be "upgraded," on April 30.

In addition to its basic functionality and general capability as an instant messaging client, the latest version of Windows Live Messenger suggested the following features:

Album Viewer Edit

Show up offline to individuals or categories Edit

Windows Live Messenger permit users to emerge offline to particular individual contacts, as well as to an entire category within Windows Live Messenger, while appearing online to other contacts.

Social networks integration Edit

Offline messaging Edit

One can send messages to contacts who are offline; they will receive the messages once they come online. Additionally, a user can commence conversations even when his or her status is set to Show up Offline in Windows Live Messenger two thousand nine or before.

Games and applications Edit

Messenger Companion Edit

Sharing links to webpages with the user’s friends on Windows Live within the web browser
See links to webpages the user’s friends have collective
Add comments to the links the user’s friends have collective

Protocol Edit

The protocol is not fully secret; Microsoft disclosed version two (MSNP2) to developers in one thousand nine hundred ninety nine in an Internet Draft, [59] but never released versions eight or higher to the public. The Messenger service servers presently only accept protocol versions from eight and higher, so the syntax of fresh directions sent from versions eight and higher is only known by using packet sniffers like Wireshark. This has been an effortless task because – in comparison to many other modern instant messaging protocols, such as XMPP – the Microsoft Notification Protocol does not provide any encryption and everything can be captured lightly using packet sniffers. The lack of decent encryption also makes wiretapping friend lists and individual conversations a trivial task, especially in unencrypted public Wi-Fi networks.

Content filtering Edit

"i’m" initiative Edit

In March 2010, the initiative concluded, having raised over three million dollars. [61]

Windows Mobile Edit

Xbox Edit

Windows Live Messenger support was included in the Xbox three hundred sixty spring two thousand seven dashboard update released on May 9, 2007. [62] It was known as Xbox Live Messenger. [63]

Mac Edit

Version Two.Five.1, update to version Two.Five, which is a mandatory update to version Two.1 that is available for users running Mac OS 9.Two.Two.
Version Trio.Five for Mac OS X revisions older than Ten.Two.8
Version Four.0.1 for Mac OS X revisions Ten.Two.8 and newer
Version Five.1.1 for Mac OS X revisions Ten.Three and newer
Version 6.0.Trio for Mac OS X revisions Ten.Three.9 and newer
Version 7.0.0 for Mac OS X Ten.Four.9 or newer was released on April 29, 2008.
Version 7.0.1 for Mac OS X Ten.Four or later includes minor bug fixes.
Version 7.0.Two for Mac OS X Ten.Four or later: improves overall quality and conversations with Microsoft Office Communicator two thousand seven R2.
Version 8.0.0 beta for Mac OS X Ten.Five or later, for Intel Macs only: Official Beta released on March, 24th 2010. Adds A/V conferencing inbetween Mac OS X users and Windows Live Messenger two thousand nine users.
Version 8.0.0 for Mac OS X Ten.Five or later, for Intel Macs only: Released with Microsoft Office two thousand eleven for Mac in October two thousand ten and bears a visual similarity to previous Windows counterparts. It features somewhat more stable functional voice and movie calls.

With the release of Microsoft Messenger for Mac 7.0, Microsoft has discontinued the client’s support for older versions of their Corporate messaging systems (such as Live Communications Server 2005). [ citation needed ] The latest version to support these older systems is Version 6.0.Three, which is still available for download on the Microsoft website.

Webcam and audio support was delayed due to Windows Live Messenger’s webcam and audio engine being reworked, which meant that the Mac version had to wait until this was accomplish in order for both platform releases to function correctly.

iOS Edit

The Windows Live Messenger for iOS client supports receiving of instant messaging notifications even when the application closed, and permits Numerous Points of Presence (MPOP) such that a user can be signed into numerous locations at the same time. Photos and albums can also be uploaded from the mobile devices onto Windows Live Photos, based on SkyDrive, and the application permits plain photo editing capabilities and people tagging within the photos. The application also supports the "Messenger social" feed on Windows Live Profile, permitting users to view and comment on the social updates and activities of their contacts on Windows Live, as well as those on Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn once these social networks have been connected to Windows Live as a "Service".

Java ME Edit

Nokia Series forty Edit

Sony Ericsson Edit

Windows Live Messenger Mobile client is also pre-loaded on most Sony Ericsson mobile devices as a Java ME application. [65]

Symbian Edit

On October 13, 2005, Yahoo! and Microsoft announced plans to add interoperability inbetween their messenger services. [Sixty-nine] The announcement came after years of third-party interoperability success (most notably, PowWow by Tribal Voice, [70] [71] Trillian, Pidgin) and criticisms from Tribal Voice and iCast that the major real time communications services were locking their networks. [72] Yahoo! and Windows Live Messenger became interoperable on July 12, 2006. [73] [74] For six years, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger users in possession of up-to-date software could communicate across the two networks. Instant messaging as well as transmission of emoticons, nudges, offline messages, presence information and private status messages were supported. [75] On December 14, 2012, the interoperability ended. [76]

Interoperability with Facebook Talk was added on September 30, two thousand ten with the launch of Windows Live Messenger 2011.

Windows Live Messenger

Windows XP and later
OS X
Windows Mobile
Windows Phone
Symbian OS 9.x
BlackBerry OS
iOS
Windows CE
Xbox 360

MSN Messenger (1999–2005) Edit

Before the product was renamed Windows Live Messenger, it was named "MSN Messenger" from one thousand nine hundred ninety nine to 2006. During that time, Microsoft released seven major versions as goes after. The very first version of MSN Messenger Service, version 1.0 (1.0.0863), was released July 22, 1999. It included only basic features, such as plain text messaging and a simplistic contact list. [Four] When it was very first released, it featured support for access to America Online’s AIM network. America Online continually attempted to block Microsoft from having access to their service until eventually the feature was eliminated, and it has not re-surfaced in any later versions of the software. [Five] AOL did this by exploiting a buffer overflow bug in AIM, which causes it to execute a bit of machine code sent by the server. When this code runs, it determines if the client is AIM and sends a message back to verify the client. [6] Since then, the software has only permitted connections to its own service, requiring a Windows Live ID (.NET Passport at that time) account to connect. Microsoft released the very first major update, version Two.0 (Two.0.0083), on November 16, 1999. It included a rotating advertising banner and the capability to customize the appearance of the talk window. It came as an install option for Windows Me. This version was followed the next year by version Trio.0 (Three.0.0080), which was released May 29, 2000. It included file transfers and PC-to-PC and PC-to-phone audio capabilities with Net2Phone and Callserve, [7] two of the larger VoIP providers. [8]

Along with the release of Windows XP came version Four.6 of MSN Messenger, on October 23, 2001. It included major switches to the user interface, the capability to group contacts, and support for voice conversations. [9] In this version, the client software was renamed from "MSN Messenger Service" to just "MSN Messenger," while the underlying service became known as ".NET Messenger Service". This version was only compatible with Windows 95, 98, ME, NT Four.0, and 2000, because Microsoft provided a scaled-down fresh program for Windows XP, called Windows Messenger. Version Five.0 of MSN Messenger was released on October 24, 2002. It was the very first version that was permitted to be installed along with Windows Messenger on Windows XP. [Ten] It included UPnP (Universal Ass-plug and Play) based file transfers, minor switches to the user interface artwork, and a Windows Media Player interface plug-in. [11]

The next year, version 6.0 of MSN Messenger was released July 17, 2003. MSN Messenger 6.0 was a major overhaul of the entire platform, upgrading its ordinary text-based interface to include customizable elements such as emoticons, personalized avatars, and backgrounds. An update, version 6.1, focused on improvements to the conversation window, enabling users to hide the window framework and menu bar, and also the capability to switch the theme color. The theme color could be set differently for each user. Another update, version 6.Two, was released April 22, 2004, and it was the last version of the MSN Messenger six series. The most notable switches were a dedicated Mobile group for mobile contacts, a connection troubleshooter, and the Launch Site feature was renamed to Joy & Games.

The last version of MSN Messenger before the name switch, version 7.Five, was released August 23, 2005. Fresh features included the Dynamic Backgrounds feature and the "msnim" protocol handler, which permitted Web sites to provide links which automatically add a contact or commence conversations. Additionally, a fresh Voice Clips feature permitted users to hold down F2 and record a message for a maximum of fifteen seconds and send it to the recipient. The window for conversations was switched slightly with an added movie button. This version also introduced the Windows Installer for its auto-update feature. [12]

Version 8.0–8.Five (2005–09) Edit

As part of Microsoft’s Windows Live effort, which rebranded many existing MSN services and programs, MSN Messenger was renamed "Windows Live Messenger" beginning with version 8.0.

The final beta version, Beta Three, was released on May Two, 2006. [Three] Major switches and additions included fresh icons for the program, PC-to-phone calling, an updated look for the Windows Live Call window, a fresh default display picture, the Windows Live Today window, improvements to the grouping of sequential messages from each contact, Rhapsody integration in the U.S., and an option for sounds to be edited and/or turned off. [14]

The very first update to Windows Live Messenger was previewed on October 30, 2006, with the release of Beta one of version 8.1. [Trio] No major switches were made, but several minor switches were included. These include the addition of the wandering identity feature (so that the same user’s display name and picture would show up on any computer), a fresh contact card appearance, a "recently used" list for the emoticon, wink, display picture and background menus, an SMS phone book in the main menu permitting the association and editing of a phone number to the contact and permitting text messaging to a contact, a "sign out" button, a "report manhandle" option in the help menu, interoperability with Yahoo! Messenger, and improvements to user status on Windows Vista [17]

A minor update, the Windows Live Messenger 8.1 Beta one Refresh, was released on December 13, 2006, [Trio] and motionless bugs that were causing some people to be incapable to sign in and others incapable to see their contact list. [Legitimate]

The 2nd beta of Windows Live Messenger 8.Five, Beta Two, was released on September Five, 2007. [24] Several issues were immobilized in Beta Two, but no significant switches were applied. Compared with the very first beta, the build does not say "Beta" on the top of the window, albeit developers had noted that it was not the final release. The fresh Windows Live Installer, which is used to install Windows Live Messenger 8.Five Beta Two, does not run on Windows Server 2003.

The final release of Windows Live Messenger version 8.Five was released on November 6, 2007, and it introduced no major switches. [25]

Version 14.0–16.Four (2009–2012) Edit

A fan site for Windows Live Messenger, Mess.be, claimed to have a fresh build of Windows Live Messenger "9" on August 11, 2008, and published screenshots along with a brief summary of fresh features. The screenshots featured a fresh user interface design matching the "Wave Three" design in development by Microsoft. The pics were later eliminated by the site after a DMCA notice was received. [27] The installer for the same build was leaked through private forums on August 23, 2008. It would later be discovered this build was a preview of Milestone Two, or M2.

Microsoft began the official beta program for Windows Live Messenger two thousand nine on September 17, 2008, when it released a fresh beta officially known as Windows Live Messenger two thousand nine Beta (Milestone Trio, Build 14.0.5027.908), which was made available to the general public as a free download. The capability to submit feedback, however, was restricted to select participants of the Microsoft Connect closed beta program.

Notable switches in Milestone three include a fresh revamped and refined user interface to go after suit with the rest of the Windows Live "Wave Three" design, the capability to set a "Scene" by customizing the background pic and color of the contact list, and the display of these scenes in conversation windows for improved contact identification and window management.

Milestone three also brings a fresh "Groups" feature that permits users to create a continuous group conversation inbetween select contacts, freshly redesigned status icons which now resemble petite gems rather than the previous "Messenger Friend" icons, a fresh default "Favorites" category in which you can place your beloved contacts for effortless access to them, a fresh Photo Sharing utility that permits contacts to quickly and lightly browse photos together, and a "What’s Fresh" section at the bottom of the contact list to outline latest contact updates. Display pictures have been moved over to the left side of conversation windows, and fresh colorful borders emerge around display pictures to display the current status of that contact. Milestone three is the very first version of Windows Live Messenger to use the standard window framework on Windows Vista in accordance with the user practice guidelines.

Several features were eliminated in version 9.0 however, such as the capability to use add-ins, the capability to transfer files when the recipient is signed in as offline, the "Be right back," "Out to lunch," and "In a call" status options, [29] the Go to my space button, the capability to adjust webcam settings during a movie call, the Send button, [30] some games (depending on your localization) and integration with Windows Contacts. [31] Other features were substituted, such as Sharing Folders [32] (substituted by integration with Windows Live SkyDrive) and background sharing (substituted by the "Scene" feature).

On December 15, 2008, Windows Live Messenger two thousand nine RC (Build 14.0.8050.1202) was released together with the other Windows Live Wave three software applications, now renamed as Windows Live Essentials. [33] This version witnessed a removal of the custom-made sign-in sound feature however it is still possible to select a sound for other individuals, as well as switches to how the background picture chosen is applied to the conversation windows. This build also included over two hundred bug fixes including the "Custom-built Emoticon Bug" and saving of pictures when using the Photo sharing feature. On January 7, 2009, the same build was released as the final version of Windows Live Messenger 2009. [34]

The last QFE update for Wave three was released on May 12, 2010, and witnessed the removal of some features from Windows Live Messenger. Specifically, the capability to independently demonstrate only your own webcam or your contacts’ webcam (one way webcam) and without an audio call is gone. [35] It is only possible to begin a movie call which starts the webcams of both people communicating and which also automatically starts audio calling. Also eliminated is the capability to import and save/export instant messaging contacts to and from .CTT files. [36]

The fresh software features a revamped interface which brings the "What’s fresh" section of Windows Live to the fresh "social pane", similar to the way a social networking site presents updates. Among the fresh features are tabbed conversations, a redesign of the old emoticons, integration of Bing results, built-in movie message support, HD movie talk, in-line commenting of social updates, a fresh social photo viewer that supports commenting (for Facebook and SkyDrive photos), badges support, synchronised status updates, availability by categories, as well as integration with Facebook talk. However, several features had also been liquidated from the previous version, such as the removal of display names, handwriting device, [40] one-way webcam requests and import/export of instant messaging contacts feature. The "Wave Four" release of Windows Live Essentials, which includes Messenger, also dropped compatibility with Windows XP and only runs on Windows Vista or Windows 7. [41]

On August 7, 2012, Microsoft delivered a fresh version of the Windows Essentials two thousand twelve suite, which includes Windows Live Messenger 2012. [48] [49]

Discontinuation Edit

On February 15, 2013, ZDNet wrote the discontinuation email was only sent to one percent of Messenger users, a test group. [53] On the same day, Microsoft announced its plans to phase out Messenger: The process would commence on April 8, 2013, with English users and would end on April 30, 2013; Messenger would remain available in mainland China. [54] According to ZDNet, this might only apply to the capability to sign in with Messenger client; Microsoft would keep its Messenger service running for another year. [53] "Windows Live Messenger Upgrades to Skype," as they were referred to by Microsoft, embarked on April 8, 2013. This transition took place language by language. Brazil was the last country to be "upgraded," on April 30.

In addition to its basic functionality and general capability as an instant messaging client, the latest version of Windows Live Messenger suggested the following features:

Album Viewer Edit

Windows Live Messenger’s album viewer is based on Windows Photo Gallery and provides users a photo viewing practice for photo albums collective via SkyDrive and Facebook. The album viewer is interactive and supports total screen and slideshow modes, as well as viewing and uploading comments on Facebook and SkyDrive albums. It also supports people tagging for SkyDrive. The album viewer closely resembles the Microsoft Silverlight counterpart for web photo albums present on SkyDrive.

Show up offline to individuals or categories Edit

Windows Live Messenger permit users to show up offline to particular individual contacts, as well as to an entire category within Windows Live Messenger, while appearing online to other contacts.

Social networks integration Edit

Users can connect services such as Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn using Windows Live Profile, and display their contact’s Messenger social updates within the "Utter view" of Windows Live Messenger. Users can also post status updates and photos directly to the connected services within Windows Live Messenger. Additionally, Messenger also imports all contacts from the connected services and integrates with Facebook Talk (via the XMPP protocol) for instant messaging support with users on Facebook.

Offline messaging Edit

One can send messages to contacts who are offline; they will receive the messages once they come online. Additionally, a user can commence conversations even when his or her status is set to Emerge Offline in Windows Live Messenger two thousand nine or before.

Games and applications Edit

Messenger Companion Edit

Sharing links to webpages with the user’s friends on Windows Live within the web browser
See links to webpages the user’s friends have collective
Add comments to the links the user’s friends have collective

Protocol Edit

The protocol is not fully secret; Microsoft disclosed version two (MSNP2) to developers in one thousand nine hundred ninety nine in an Internet Draft, [59] but never released versions eight or higher to the public. The Messenger service servers presently only accept protocol versions from eight and higher, so the syntax of fresh guidelines sent from versions eight and higher is only known by using packet sniffers like Wireshark. This has been an effortless task because – in comparison to many other modern instant messaging protocols, such as XMPP – the Microsoft Notification Protocol does not provide any encryption and everything can be captured lightly using packet sniffers. The lack of decent encryption also makes wiretapping friend lists and individual conversations a trivial task, especially in unencrypted public Wi-Fi networks.

Content filtering Edit

"i’m" initiative Edit

The i’m initiative was a program Microsoft launched in March 2007, that connects the user with ten organizations dedicated to social causes through Windows Live Messenger, only for conversations sent or received in the USA. Every time someone had a conversation using i’m, Microsoft Corp. collective a portion of the program’s advertising revenue with the organization of the user’s choice. There was no set cap on the amount donated to each organization. The more i’m conversations the user had, the more money went to one of the ten causes. Each participating organization was assured a minimum donation of $100,000 during the very first year of the program. The i’m initiative worked with version 8.1 and above.

In March 2010, the initiative concluded, having raised over three million dollars. [61]

Windows Mobile Edit

Xbox Edit

Windows Live Messenger support was included in the Xbox three hundred sixty spring two thousand seven dashboard update released on May 9, 2007. [62] It was known as Xbox Live Messenger. [63]

To coincide with the arrival of the integration of Windows Live Messenger with Xbox Live, Microsoft released a fresh Xbox three hundred sixty keyboard adapter called the Xbox three hundred sixty Messenger Kit for lighter text input. The keyboard device links to the standard Xbox three hundred sixty controller through the headphone jack and features a QWERTY-style key layout with forty seven backlit keys. However, any USB keyboard is also compatible with the Xbox 360.

Mac Edit

The versions Trio.x and later of Microsoft Messenger for Mac featured fresh Aqua graphics, whereas version Two.x and below have graphics similar to Windows Messenger Four.0. Versions Five.x used the brushed metal theme.

Version Two.Five.1, update to version Two.Five, which is a mandatory update to version Two.1 that is available for users running Mac OS 9.Two.Two.
Version Trio.Five for Mac OS X revisions older than Ten.Two.8
Version Four.0.1 for Mac OS X revisions Ten.Two.8 and newer
Version Five.1.1 for Mac OS X revisions Ten.Trio and newer
Version 6.0.Three for Mac OS X revisions Ten.Trio.9 and newer
Version 7.0.0 for Mac OS X Ten.Four.9 or newer was released on April 29, 2008.
Version 7.0.1 for Mac OS X Ten.Four or later includes minor bug fixes.
Version 7.0.Two for Mac OS X Ten.Four or later: improves overall quality and conversations with Microsoft Office Communicator two thousand seven R2.
Version 8.0.0 beta for Mac OS X Ten.Five or later, for Intel Macs only: Official Beta released on March, 24th 2010. Adds A/V conferencing inbetween Mac OS X users and Windows Live Messenger two thousand nine users.
Version 8.0.0 for Mac OS X Ten.Five or later, for Intel Macs only: Released with Microsoft Office two thousand eleven for Mac in October two thousand ten and bears a visual similarity to previous Windows counterparts. It features somewhat more stable functional voice and movie calls.

iOS Edit

The Windows Live Messenger for iOS client supports receiving of instant messaging notifications even when the application closed, and permits Numerous Points of Presence (MPOP) such that a user can be signed into numerous locations at the same time. Photos and albums can also be uploaded from the mobile devices onto Windows Live Photos, based on SkyDrive, and the application permits ordinary photo editing capabilities and people tagging within the photos. The application also supports the "Messenger social" feed on Windows Live Profile, permitting users to view and comment on the social updates and activities of their contacts on Windows Live, as well as those on Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn once these social networks have been connected to Windows Live as a "Service".

Java ME Edit

Nokia Series forty Edit

Sony Ericsson Edit

Windows Live Messenger Mobile client is also pre-loaded on most Sony Ericsson mobile devices as a Java ME application. [65]

Symbian Edit

A client for Windows Live Messenger was developed by Microsoft for the Symbian S60 Platform commonly used in mobile phones such as Nokia smartphones and released on August 23, 2007, to selected markets. In May 2009, the client was made available on the Ovi Store. This version of Windows Live Messenger includes many of the features of the Windows Live Messenger client, including grouped contacts, voice clips (max ten seconds), photo and file sending; as well as features unique to S60 such as tabbed talk windows and integration with contact list and other features of the S60 platform. [66] When the trial expires the cost to users of Messenger for S60 is £1.50/$Two.94 for thirty calendar days of use. [67] As of February 2009, Microsoft stopped charging for Windows Live Mobile and the service is now suggested for free. [68]

On October 13, 2005, Yahoo! and Microsoft announced plans to add interoperability inbetween their messenger services. [Sixty nine] The announcement came after years of third-party interoperability success (most notably, PowWow by Tribal Voice, [70] [71] Trillian, Pidgin) and criticisms from Tribal Voice and iCast that the major real time communications services were locking their networks. [72] Yahoo! and Windows Live Messenger became interoperable on July 12, 2006. [73] [74] For six years, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger users in possession of up-to-date software could communicate across the two networks. Instant messaging as well as transmission of emoticons, nudges, offline messages, presence information and individual status messages were supported. [75] On December 14, 2012, the interoperability ended. [76]

Interoperability with Facebook Talk was added on September 30, two thousand ten with the launch of Windows Live Messenger 2011.