The Windows Live Messenger add-on MessengerDiscovery has been published in version 2.0.0019 Beta, being compatible with both Messenger 2009 and 8.5. Matt Holwood, its creator, has rewritten the entire program using .NET, and the result is a sleek, yet powerful engine enhancing the features of Messenger to a new level. Don't wonder though, this is a Beta with all consequences. Don't expect everything to be working.


It has always been a domain of MessengerDiscovery to provide functionality that none of the other prominent add-ons have, especially regarding Patchou's Messenger Plus!, as well as TheBlasphemer's StuffPlug. Behind the product stands a bit different philosophy than behind the others – while all add-ons strive to help the user with useful things, MessengerDiscovery is not sponsor-powered, nor do I see MD as being an all-round add-on, but rather as providing enhanced security and unique features.

Here are some of the highlighted MessengerDiscovery 2.0.0019 Beta features:

• Do not tell contacts when you are typing a message
• Use a chat-only nick name
• Send nudges as fast as you want
• Send files if you or your contact is appearing offline
• Allow unlimited file transfers
• Do not let nudges shake the conversation window
• Right-align your messages
• Capitalize the first letter of every message you send
• Show window on top when you receive a message
• Do not blink the window when you receive a message
• Show alerts on definable events
• Check every received URL for phishing sites (using PhishTank)
• Ask you whether you want to join grouped conversations

All this goes along with a wonderful shiny, fresh new design, created by star designer Will Ingles:





When I saw the first private builds of this Beta back in early December 2008, I got really excited about it. I am amazed about the design, and about what Matt re-coded from scratch in just about 2 months. In future versions of MessengerDiscovery, you will be able to make use of its engine, as it will have a complete Plugins engine...

However, I also learned that there are some problems when you have Messenger Plus! installed, if you are using its Tabbed Chats feature (tabs won't disappear from the tab-bar then although their windows are closed). Also, from my latest tests, the phishing protection seems to have some issues in Messenger 2009, Version 14.0.8064, but I think Matt will fix them as soon as he publishes a new beta. Just remember his statement: “there is still a lot of work to be done, so this is nowhere close to the final product”.

Download MessengerDiscovery 2.0.0019 Beta
Visit the MessengerDiscovery 2 Beta site
Share your thoughts in the MessengerDiscovery Community Forums

What do you think about MessengerDiscovery?

• Are there any features you miss?
• Bugs you are annoyed of?
• Tell us what you think about it!