Tag - Messenger
New version of Yahoo! Messenger for Vista Beta
on Thu 01 May 2008 (20:02 GMT)
on Thu 01 May 2008 (20:02 GMT)
Yahoo! Messenger for Vista, the version of Yahoo! Messenger designed specifically for Windows Vista using its interface technologies, was first released to beta at the end of last year. The first new version since then has now been released.
The main improvement is the addition of much-requested audio chat features. This includes the usual PC to PC calls and PC to phone calls, as well as cool visualisation effects that match you and your contact's voices when you speak.
Along with this there have been general speed and stability improvements, the ability to send "free" SMS messages to mobile phones has been added, and there is a new email alerts feature.
>> Source: Yahoo! Messenger blog
>> Download Yahoo! Messenger for Vista Beta (direct download link)
>> Official Yahoo! Messenger for Vista site
The main improvement is the addition of much-requested audio chat features. This includes the usual PC to PC calls and PC to phone calls, as well as cool visualisation effects that match you and your contact's voices when you speak.
Along with this there have been general speed and stability improvements, the ability to send "free" SMS messages to mobile phones has been added, and there is a new email alerts feature.
>> Source: Yahoo! Messenger blog
>> Download Yahoo! Messenger for Vista Beta (direct download link)
>> Official Yahoo! Messenger for Vista site
MessengerDiscovery Live 1.4 out now
on Tue 29 Apr 2008 (22:42 GMT)
on Tue 29 Apr 2008 (22:42 GMT)
MessengerDiscovery Live is a very popular Messenger add-on with a fair few technical issues. However, the ideas made are some of the most interesting and unique changes you can make to Windows Live Messenger. The past week has been various updates the to the program, the latest being 1.4.7924. The main changes are:
>> View the complete changelog
>> Download Messenger Discovery Live
- Parental controls (eg. only allow certain accounts to sign into Messenger)
- Allow conversation windows to stay open after you sign out
- Temporary blocking
- Automatically decline group conversations (something which should be in Messenger itself!)
- New commands that shortcut various Messenger tasks
- Vista style settings interface
- No more ads in the installer and tray menu
>> View the complete changelog
>> Download Messenger Discovery Live
Messenger for Mac 7 released
on Tue 29 Apr 2008 (21:25 GMT)
on Tue 29 Apr 2008 (21:25 GMT)
Messenger for Mac 7, the official Windows Live Messenger client for Macs, has finally been released.
The main improvement is the much-awaited introduction of audio and video chats, although if you're a non-business user of Messenger for Mac you will probably be disappointed. The A/V features require your network to be running Office Communications Server, but chats can be made to people on other networks using OCS and even to Windows users running Office Communicator. Business users also get updates to make Messenger for Mac more like Office Communicator, for example more presence information.
Regular users of Messenger for Mac, who use their Windows Live IDs to sign in, will see no sign of these new features. Instead, the main thing they have to look forward to in the new version is being able to give contacts nicknames and to search through contacts in a way similar to the 'word-wheel' in Windows Live Messenger for PCs. Another new addition is integration of the Mac OS X Bonjour technology.
The audio and video features for non-corporate users seem no closer either:
>> Download Messenger for Mac 7 (official source)
>> Find out more about Messenger for Mac
>> Release announcement at the Office for Mac team blog
>> Find out more about the new A/V features (and the lack of them)
>> Get help for the new version
>> Information about corporate use and deployment
The main improvement is the much-awaited introduction of audio and video chats, although if you're a non-business user of Messenger for Mac you will probably be disappointed. The A/V features require your network to be running Office Communications Server, but chats can be made to people on other networks using OCS and even to Windows users running Office Communicator. Business users also get updates to make Messenger for Mac more like Office Communicator, for example more presence information.
Regular users of Messenger for Mac, who use their Windows Live IDs to sign in, will see no sign of these new features. Instead, the main thing they have to look forward to in the new version is being able to give contacts nicknames and to search through contacts in a way similar to the 'word-wheel' in Windows Live Messenger for PCs. Another new addition is integration of the Mac OS X Bonjour technology.
The audio and video features for non-corporate users seem no closer either:
"We provided a look at our roadmap late last year and we remain on track--delivering A/V support to our corporate users and continuing to work with the Windows Live team to make A/V support available for (consumers)," senior marketing manager Amanda Lefebvre said in a statement.
>> Download Messenger for Mac 7 (official source)
>> Find out more about Messenger for Mac
>> Release announcement at the Office for Mac team blog
>> Find out more about the new A/V features (and the lack of them)
>> Get help for the new version
>> Information about corporate use and deployment
Web2Messenger is still alive, but development is slow (invites included)
on Sat 26 Apr 2008 (14:13 GMT)
on Sat 26 Apr 2008 (14:13 GMT)
When Web2Messenger first hit the scene it was big, very big. People went mad trying to find an invite to the service, that displayed your Messenger status, display name and personal message within an image that you could manipulate and show on various websites and forums.
TheBlasphemer has now posted some new news after five months and hearing nothing:
So it sounds like the service just isn't profitable for these busy workers. The developers now have other things going on in their lives and bills to pay. Let's hope the service can be maximized or even sold to someone who can exploit Web2Messenger to its full potential.
Invites:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
>> Source: Web2Messenger official forums
TheBlasphemer has now posted some new news after five months and hearing nothing:
We haven't really been working on Web2Messenger for quite a while now, but it's been silently running in the background doing what it's supposed to do. The only real problem was that changing your passport or signing up wouldn't work, as the add-user routine in the bots were broken. Initially I've just wanted to keep Web2Messenger running as both Andrew and I find it quite useful, but as people kept on bugging me about the aforementioned bug, I took some time yesterday to try and fix it. For now it seems fixed, and in case it fails again I've added some event logging that should alert me to the exact place it's failing so I can pinpoint the problem easily.
Now, we aren't opening up Web2Messenger to the grand public yet, but I did drop off a few invites to a forum and a news site to generate some new buzz around it. Reason being both that I'd like to see my bugfix tested, and that I'd like to get some feedback on things. Web2Messenger in it's current form has no real future. We're currently running into our maximum capacity, but making no real profit. We would like to add an extra server (think roughly 200$ per month), but we're simply unable to afford it. We're hoping someone might have a good idea or opportunity to get some proper advertising income so we could put some more time into W2M. So, if you have any ideas about how to generate some income, or have an idea for a sponsoring deal or something, please do not hesitate to reply to this forum thread or use the contact form.
Now, we aren't opening up Web2Messenger to the grand public yet, but I did drop off a few invites to a forum and a news site to generate some new buzz around it. Reason being both that I'd like to see my bugfix tested, and that I'd like to get some feedback on things. Web2Messenger in it's current form has no real future. We're currently running into our maximum capacity, but making no real profit. We would like to add an extra server (think roughly 200$ per month), but we're simply unable to afford it. We're hoping someone might have a good idea or opportunity to get some proper advertising income so we could put some more time into W2M. So, if you have any ideas about how to generate some income, or have an idea for a sponsoring deal or something, please do not hesitate to reply to this forum thread or use the contact form.
So it sounds like the service just isn't profitable for these busy workers. The developers now have other things going on in their lives and bills to pay. Let's hope the service can be maximized or even sold to someone who can exploit Web2Messenger to its full potential.
Invites:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
>> Source: Web2Messenger official forums
Windows Aero Messenger released, and Zero-G 2.0.0
on Wed 26 Mar 2008 (00:23 GMT)
on Wed 26 Mar 2008 (00:23 GMT)
It seemed to go quite unnoticed on here (we're really quite busy ;)) but the most advanced Plus! skin was released earlier this week; Windows Aero messenger. Here's a part of Willz' official announcement:
You can see how advanced this skin is simply by having a look at the options panel here. Be aware that this skin requires Messenger Plus! Live to be updated to version 4.60.
As well, earlier today Willz released an update to his popular skin Zero-G, bringing it to version 2.0.0. This update brings a new possibility: Zero-G is now available in 4 different styles. Be sure to check that out.
>> Get Windows Aero Messenger
>> Get Zero-G 2.0.0
>> Get Messenger Plus! Live 4.60
When the first Windows Aero Messenger was created I had talked to ipab about the idea of modifying his installer program so that people could select how certain parts of the skin were patched. We were going to have it so users could select certain aspects of the theme to be different e.g have a different color vista orb depending on what the user picked.
Of course in the end it was simply a no go due to the unbelievable amount of effort that would have been required. So now we come to Plus! skins. Plus! skins allow resources to be replaced conditionally which opened the way for this idea to work. I was going to make Windows Aero Messenger before Ev0 but couldn't as there was still things missing from the skinning system which just would not allow the core of the skin to be made.
So Messenger Plus! 4.60 was the answer to all of this which allowed the core of Windows Aero Messenger to be created. With the core working I was then able to create some groups that allowed people to switch from Windows Aero Messenger to Vista Live Messenger. But I did not stop there. I made it so pretty much every aspect of the skin was customizable. Here is a screenshot of the final options panel.
Of course in the end it was simply a no go due to the unbelievable amount of effort that would have been required. So now we come to Plus! skins. Plus! skins allow resources to be replaced conditionally which opened the way for this idea to work. I was going to make Windows Aero Messenger before Ev0 but couldn't as there was still things missing from the skinning system which just would not allow the core of the skin to be made.
So Messenger Plus! 4.60 was the answer to all of this which allowed the core of Windows Aero Messenger to be created. With the core working I was then able to create some groups that allowed people to switch from Windows Aero Messenger to Vista Live Messenger. But I did not stop there. I made it so pretty much every aspect of the skin was customizable. Here is a screenshot of the final options panel.
You can see how advanced this skin is simply by having a look at the options panel here. Be aware that this skin requires Messenger Plus! Live to be updated to version 4.60.
As well, earlier today Willz released an update to his popular skin Zero-G, bringing it to version 2.0.0. This update brings a new possibility: Zero-G is now available in 4 different styles. Be sure to check that out.
>> Get Windows Aero Messenger
>> Get Zero-G 2.0.0
>> Get Messenger Plus! Live 4.60
Introducing: Digsby
on Sun 23 Mar 2008 (06:01 GMT)
on Sun 23 Mar 2008 (06:01 GMT)
It's not that often that we have an opportunity to promote different IM programs, but I'm proud to announce that Digsby has finally reached public beta phase.
What is Digsby? Disgsby is an instant messaging, email, and social networking client all in one. It's sort of like Trillian, but far better in my honest opinion. Digsby allows you to add AIM, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, Google Talk, and Jabber Accounts into one major contact list. Not only that, Digsby allows you to keep up with your MySpace or Facebook accounts by alerting you when you receive new messages, comments, etc etc. It gets better, believe me. Here's the complete feature list:
Instant Messaging
One combined buddy list for all your AIM, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, Google Talk, and Jabber Accounts.
Manage multiple conversations with tabbed conversation windows. You can drag tabs out into their own windows for important conversations.
Rename contacts with an alias so you don't have to remember buddy names like 'giantsfan123'.
If one of your friends has more than one IM account you can combine them into a single merged contact to eliminate duplicate buddies.
Send your friends SMS messages right from the IM window.
The InfoBox lets you check everyone's status message and profile just by moving your mouse down the list.
Changing your status has never been easier. just one click right on the buddy list!
Multitask while you chat. Minimize the IM window and you see popups of new IM's. Best of all, you can reply right from the popup and get back to what you were doing.
Log conversation history and find the information you need our search-enabled log viewer.
And so much more.
Email
Manage your Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, AOL/AIM Mail, IMAP, and POP accounts right from digsby.
Get popup notifications when new email arrives. Clicking a popup takes you right to the message with auto-login into webmail accounts.
The email InfoBox gives you a snapshot of your unread messages with just one click
Perform actions such as "Mark as Read" or "Report Spam" right from the email InfoBox.
Send emails to your friends right from the IM window. The email is sent directly from any account digsby is tracking for you.
Social Networking
Stay up to date with everything happening on your Facebook or MySpace account (other network support coming soon).
Receive alerts of events such as new friend requests, messages, group invites, etc.
The social network InfoBox gives you a real time NewsFeed of what your friends are up to. Everything from new photos, to status updates, to upcoming birthdays is just a click away.
Personalize
Customize digsby with application skins to give it a personal look and feel.
Change the way your conversations look with themes – everything from simple AIM-style windows to 3D conversation bubbles.
Complete control over the layout of buddies on the buddy list. Change everything from buddy icon size to whether or not to show a snippet of their away message.
Sort your buddy list how ever you want! You can organize buddies manually, by status, by service, by name or by log size to place those you communicate with most at the top. You can even choose a secondary sorting method.
Customizable notification system lets you choose what events you want to be alerted about and how.
Other
Digsby offers complete synchronization between computers and installations. Everything from the skin you chose to your pre-defined status messages follows you from place to place.
You can place a widget on your blog, website, or social network profile so you can chat with visitors right from digsby.
Manage multiple simultaneous file transfers from one simple transfer manager.
Digsby entered private beta phase about 6 weeks ago, and since then has released 15 builds (Which had 35 major changes), 53 added enhancements, and 109 bug fixes. I can honestly say that the team behind Digsby is one of the best product teams I've seen. The only problem that user's are reporting is that Digsby uses a lot of RAM, but if you think about it, if you're using all of this super-client's features, it's going to take some RAM to keep it runnin'.
We're going to keep you posted on the development of this project!
Link: Digsby's Home Page
View: Screenshots
View: Digsby's Developer Blog
Download: The latest public release of Digsby
What is Digsby? Disgsby is an instant messaging, email, and social networking client all in one. It's sort of like Trillian, but far better in my honest opinion. Digsby allows you to add AIM, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, Google Talk, and Jabber Accounts into one major contact list. Not only that, Digsby allows you to keep up with your MySpace or Facebook accounts by alerting you when you receive new messages, comments, etc etc. It gets better, believe me. Here's the complete feature list:
Instant Messaging
One combined buddy list for all your AIM, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, Google Talk, and Jabber Accounts.
Manage multiple conversations with tabbed conversation windows. You can drag tabs out into their own windows for important conversations.
Rename contacts with an alias so you don't have to remember buddy names like 'giantsfan123'.
If one of your friends has more than one IM account you can combine them into a single merged contact to eliminate duplicate buddies.
Send your friends SMS messages right from the IM window.
The InfoBox lets you check everyone's status message and profile just by moving your mouse down the list.
Changing your status has never been easier. just one click right on the buddy list!
Multitask while you chat. Minimize the IM window and you see popups of new IM's. Best of all, you can reply right from the popup and get back to what you were doing.
Log conversation history and find the information you need our search-enabled log viewer.
And so much more.
Manage your Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, AOL/AIM Mail, IMAP, and POP accounts right from digsby.
Get popup notifications when new email arrives. Clicking a popup takes you right to the message with auto-login into webmail accounts.
The email InfoBox gives you a snapshot of your unread messages with just one click
Perform actions such as "Mark as Read" or "Report Spam" right from the email InfoBox.
Send emails to your friends right from the IM window. The email is sent directly from any account digsby is tracking for you.
Social Networking
Stay up to date with everything happening on your Facebook or MySpace account (other network support coming soon).
Receive alerts of events such as new friend requests, messages, group invites, etc.
The social network InfoBox gives you a real time NewsFeed of what your friends are up to. Everything from new photos, to status updates, to upcoming birthdays is just a click away.
Personalize
Customize digsby with application skins to give it a personal look and feel.
Change the way your conversations look with themes – everything from simple AIM-style windows to 3D conversation bubbles.
Complete control over the layout of buddies on the buddy list. Change everything from buddy icon size to whether or not to show a snippet of their away message.
Sort your buddy list how ever you want! You can organize buddies manually, by status, by service, by name or by log size to place those you communicate with most at the top. You can even choose a secondary sorting method.
Customizable notification system lets you choose what events you want to be alerted about and how.
Other
Digsby offers complete synchronization between computers and installations. Everything from the skin you chose to your pre-defined status messages follows you from place to place.
You can place a widget on your blog, website, or social network profile so you can chat with visitors right from digsby.
Manage multiple simultaneous file transfers from one simple transfer manager.
Digsby entered private beta phase about 6 weeks ago, and since then has released 15 builds (Which had 35 major changes), 53 added enhancements, and 109 bug fixes. I can honestly say that the team behind Digsby is one of the best product teams I've seen. The only problem that user's are reporting is that Digsby uses a lot of RAM, but if you think about it, if you're using all of this super-client's features, it's going to take some RAM to keep it runnin'.
We're going to keep you posted on the development of this project!
Link: Digsby's Home Page
View: Screenshots
View: Digsby's Developer Blog
Download: The latest public release of Digsby
Released: Messenger Plus! 4.60
on Thu 20 Mar 2008 (04:03 GMT)
on Thu 20 Mar 2008 (04:03 GMT)
After the highly anticipated release of Messenger Plus! Live 4.50, Patchou has released an update labeled v4.60. This update mainly focuses on new features for developers and skinners, along with various bug fixes. A statement from Patchou:
View: Patchou's official announcement
View: Messenger Plus! Live 4.60 Changelog
Download: Messenger Plus! Live 4.60
A new version of Messenger Plus! is now available for download! Many things have been updated in version 4.60 but if you’re not a script or a skin developer, chances are you won’t see much difference compared with the last update. Still, among the improvements you’ll notice that WMA sound files can be selected for Custom Notifications, all the extra Plus! features now work fine in Mobile Device chat windows, and notification popups are now shown in a better way.
If you're a script developer, you’ll find many new functions of interest in this release, like UploadFileFTP, GetElementPos, ExtractFromZIP and support for synchronous callbacks with GetCallbackPtr. Skin developers will enjoy even more improvements, like DateRange restrictions to make your skin change depending on the current date, advanced new features for Color resources to create customized colorization values and gradient colors, the addition of Font elements to distribute and use special fonts in your skin, the possibility to create a separate About Box window, Environment tags for PlusSkin elements to create conditions based on things like the current version of Messenger, and more! Just check the Change Log and download the latest version of the documentations to see it all...read more
If you're a script developer, you’ll find many new functions of interest in this release, like UploadFileFTP, GetElementPos, ExtractFromZIP and support for synchronous callbacks with GetCallbackPtr. Skin developers will enjoy even more improvements, like DateRange restrictions to make your skin change depending on the current date, advanced new features for Color resources to create customized colorization values and gradient colors, the addition of Font elements to distribute and use special fonts in your skin, the possibility to create a separate About Box window, Environment tags for PlusSkin elements to create conditions based on things like the current version of Messenger, and more! Just check the Change Log and download the latest version of the documentations to see it all...read more
View: Patchou's official announcement
View: Messenger Plus! Live 4.60 Changelog
Download: Messenger Plus! Live 4.60
Patchou: 'Never look at Messenger the same way again'
on Sat 15 Mar 2008 (13:55 GMT)
on Sat 15 Mar 2008 (13:55 GMT)
Messenger Plus! 4.50 brought about new skinning technology for Messenger. Now it was possible to soft-patch resources, create skin options and even manipulate the basic window designs of Messenger. This can be seen in a simple form with Beaver and Steve, created by Nile. However, Patchou has big ambitions to expand this feature:
All this news sounds very interesting, especially the upcoming skinning contest. Stay tuned for more information when it's available.
>> View Patchou's post
>> View a screenshot of the new skins
I'm happy to announce that sometime this year, a big skinning contest will be organised, benefiting both developers (prizes) and users (new, better skins). Details will be announced when appropriate but as of now, something new and cool has already been put in motion in the world of skins: Will Ingles, the creator of popular skins such as Ev0, as agreed to dedicate some of his time to the creation of new skins inspired by movies and music groups.
Your Messenger experience will never be the same, that's guaranteed, and you'll probably never want to go back to the original interface once you've tried a couple of skins either. Also, if you enjoy switching from one look to the other regularly, or, if you just don't want to miss the release of a skin related to a movie that you've been waiting for, sign up to Messenger Plus! Skins Alerts to get instant notifications.
All this news sounds very interesting, especially the upcoming skinning contest. Stay tuned for more information when it's available.
>> View Patchou's post
>> View a screenshot of the new skins
The Windows Live Messenger developer blog
on Thu 13 Mar 2008 (17:59 GMT)
on Thu 13 Mar 2008 (17:59 GMT)
In case some of you missed Mix 08, there is now an official Windows Live Messenger Developer blog. For all of the API monkeys out there, this new blog is going to be the source of the new API releases for Windows Live Messenger. Here's a short message from the lead software developer, Steve Gordon:
View: The Official Windows Live Messenger Developer Blog
In short, our team is focused on delivering APIs that enable all developers to build rich presence, IM and contacts experiences anywhere on the web that will delight users. We'll do our best to ensure that our APIs are simple to consume and provide you with the right functionality to build whatever you might dream up. To date, we've released an IM Control and Presence API that enables your users to embed their presence and a conversation window into your site. More...
View: The Official Windows Live Messenger Developer Blog
Be aware: Messenger Plus! scams
on Mon 25 Feb 2008 (14:53 GMT)
on Mon 25 Feb 2008 (14:53 GMT)
As Messenger Plus! is getting more and more popular, there are an increasing amount of sites trying to scam you in to paying for Messenger Plus!, fooling users by making their site look similar to the real site.
Some of the sites are asking you to pay some money using text messaging in order to receive a code to unlock a modified setup program of Messenger Plus!
Patchou, Messenger Plus! creator, has posted a thread on the Messenger Plus! forums warning users of this. Patchou recommends the following:
>> Official download: Messenger Plus! Live
Some of the sites are asking you to pay some money using text messaging in order to receive a code to unlock a modified setup program of Messenger Plus!
Patchou, Messenger Plus! creator, has posted a thread on the Messenger Plus! forums warning users of this. Patchou recommends the following:
- Only download Messenger Plus! from the official site, which is msgpluslive.net or its localized language domains. The official site will never ask you to pay for Messenger Plus!
- Check the setup files digital signature, which can be found by right clicking the setup file and selecting properties, it should be signed by "Patchou" with a VeriSign Class 3 certificate. If it doesn't, it was not approved by Patchou, therefore shouldn't be trusted. A screenshot of what the digital signature should look like can be seen here.
>> Official download: Messenger Plus! Live
Messenger can be educational too!?
on Thu 21 Feb 2008 (15:28 GMT)
on Thu 21 Feb 2008 (15:28 GMT)
The lack of news-worthy Messenger-related news recently has been bad and seeing as I actually have some time at the moment I've decided to reach down into the barrel of "old news that wasn't posted at the time because it wasn't very interesting and was actually already old when it could have been posted" to bring you the following. Enjoy!
Learning.live.com is a promotional site aimed at school students and teachers in the UK.
The idea is to encourage schools to use Windows Live Messenger to communicate with their pupils outside of school hours, for example if a student is stuck on a piece of homework they could ask their teacher about it there and then and even receive help through handwritten ink messages or share help sheets using sharing folders or file transfers.
Microsoft say that using Messenger like this can help improve work and the way people work, and that it is a lot more convenient for students - the majority of which seem to use Messenger these days anyway. The only issue associated with it is the possibility of abuse which they say can be got round by saving all conversations. The scheme was trialled successfully by a school in Lincolnshire.
The site also reveals that Windows Live Messenger is used by over 14 million people in the UK and over 240 million worldwide!
>> Learning.live.com
Learning.live.com is a promotional site aimed at school students and teachers in the UK.
The idea is to encourage schools to use Windows Live Messenger to communicate with their pupils outside of school hours, for example if a student is stuck on a piece of homework they could ask their teacher about it there and then and even receive help through handwritten ink messages or share help sheets using sharing folders or file transfers.
Microsoft say that using Messenger like this can help improve work and the way people work, and that it is a lot more convenient for students - the majority of which seem to use Messenger these days anyway. The only issue associated with it is the possibility of abuse which they say can be got round by saving all conversations. The scheme was trialled successfully by a school in Lincolnshire.
It's a pretty simple concept; your tutors sign into Windows Live Messenger for maybe an hour or two a week so you can ask any questions which you have about your work. The time they spend online could be to help with revision or coursework, or could even just be a general Q&A session. The great thing is that it can all be done for free and from the comfort of your own home. And what's more, getting the answers you need can make all the difference for your grades later on.
The site also reveals that Windows Live Messenger is used by over 14 million people in the UK and over 240 million worldwide!
>> Learning.live.com
Messenger for Mac 7 makes another appearance
on Tue 29 Jan 2008 (19:45 GMT)
on Tue 29 Jan 2008 (19:45 GMT)
There was been some confusing rumors over MSN Messenger for Mac. Some websites have suggested that the client was being re-branded as something new, containing a fresh re-design and finally adding features such as video conversations. Back in November last year we reported:
Some photos has been circulating around the Internet of the new program on display, which you can view here. All I can say is it looks very cool and I'm looking forward to the official release.
>> View the photos at Flickr
>> View Mac Mojo's post about development
MS will no longer update the MSN Messenger for Mac, but they are going to release a brand new client for Mac OS X that is according to him 'Really, really cool and awesome' but he would not provide any more details due to his NDA.
According to the Mac BU [Business Unit] they've reached a milestone in the development process of Messenger for Mac 7.0 with the recent launch of a private beta with new Audio and Visual capabilities for a select group of enterprise customers using Office Communication Server 2007.
Some photos has been circulating around the Internet of the new program on display, which you can view here. All I can say is it looks very cool and I'm looking forward to the official release.
>> View the photos at Flickr
>> View Mac Mojo's post about development
Learn how to skin Windows Live Messenger
on Wed 16 Jan 2008 (17:32 GMT)
on Wed 16 Jan 2008 (17:32 GMT)
In case you didn't already know, I used to skin MSN Messenger. It was fun and it got me into software design. Back then I had no idea how I taught myself, I just compiled lots of old tutorials from around the web. I then decided to make a tutorial myself, it was basic, but provided all you needed if you took your time. But since Messenger Plus! Live 4.50 came to exist skinning has been flipped up-side down.
Ev0 skin creator Willz has created what I believe to be a highly detailed, highly accurate polished guide going through step by step every little detail that is involved in skinning Windows Live Messenger. The full guide is not completed yet, but the published documents are all you really need. Any future tutorials will just take you into the advanced side of skinning.
So are you interested in skinning Windows Live Messenger with Messenger Plus! Live? View Willz detailed skinning guide at the Messenger Plus! community forums.
>> View the skinning tutorial
>> Download Messenger Plus! Live
Ev0 skin creator Willz has created what I believe to be a highly detailed, highly accurate polished guide going through step by step every little detail that is involved in skinning Windows Live Messenger. The full guide is not completed yet, but the published documents are all you really need. Any future tutorials will just take you into the advanced side of skinning.
So are you interested in skinning Windows Live Messenger with Messenger Plus! Live? View Willz detailed skinning guide at the Messenger Plus! community forums.
>> View the skinning tutorial
>> Download Messenger Plus! Live
Messenger Plus! Live skins I just love
on Sat 05 Jan 2008 (14:29 GMT)
on Sat 05 Jan 2008 (14:29 GMT)
I have been putting this post off for a while now. My excuses are exams and the fact this post probably needed time to get a good list together. I am a bit of a Messenger skins fanatic and I have been chatting all about Messenger Plus! Live 4.50 in recent weeks, which revealed a big new feature: a Messenger skins manager.
The skins I have chosen are ones I have found to be well designed, unique and most of all ones with attention to detail i.e. completed fully, polished. Yes, this means no Vista skins!
Ev0
This Messenger skins has been around a while, and its creator was able to get his hands on an early build of Messenger Plus! Live 4.50 so he could get this skin out by release. Its clean design, with unique ideas is complimented by the various colour themes available. To date it has had nearly 200,000 downloads and is probably the best skin available for Messenger Plus! Live.
>> Download EvO
Beaver and Steve
Honestly Nile, this skin is rather ugly; its bright colours and the cartoonish look are not desirable, but it is these things that make it unique, charming if you will. More importantly it uses shapes therefore making it the first skin released to manipulate Messenger's windows. Nile has put a lot of effort into this skin and there are lots of customizable options meaning you can remove things from Messenger until you are happy. I'm actually surprised he didn't try and plug it himself ...
>> Download Beaver and Steve
SkyLines
This skin is very stylish and well made. Looking over all the little details you can see a lot of effort has been put into making this skin. This skin is compatible with Windows Live Messenger 8.5 and 9.0, so what are you waiting for? Add SkyLines to your skin library.
>> Download SkyLines
Nightfall
A dark skin is the best way to describe this. Its simple, but I like simple and I think this is just the start for its creator. The skin is customised for green, red, blue and black colour themes.
>> Download Nightfall
RoyaLive!
Similar to Nightfall this skin uses soft gradients well. It has its flaws, but overall it is a good skin.
>> Download RoyaLive!
Office07
This skin is all about basics. It shows that all you need to do is take your time and perfect the images you want to skin. The colours in Office07 compliment Messenger well, but more importantly its creator designed this website, so I'm forced to think it looks great.
>> Download Office07
Nao Messenger
This skin users colours well in my opinion. The theme of green and blue suits Messenger when used in this way. It adds fun to Messenger, but at the same time good enough to use everyday. It may not be perfect, but Nao Messenger is better than most.
>> Nao Messenger
I hope you liked my list. If you have a skin of your own and want to share it send it our way. Remember these are just a selection of the skins available, view the entire database for more. If your skin is not on the list, there is a chance I missed it, but more probable is I didn't like it.
The skins I have chosen are ones I have found to be well designed, unique and most of all ones with attention to detail i.e. completed fully, polished. Yes, this means no Vista skins!
This Messenger skins has been around a while, and its creator was able to get his hands on an early build of Messenger Plus! Live 4.50 so he could get this skin out by release. Its clean design, with unique ideas is complimented by the various colour themes available. To date it has had nearly 200,000 downloads and is probably the best skin available for Messenger Plus! Live.
>> Download EvO
Honestly Nile, this skin is rather ugly; its bright colours and the cartoonish look are not desirable, but it is these things that make it unique, charming if you will. More importantly it uses shapes therefore making it the first skin released to manipulate Messenger's windows. Nile has put a lot of effort into this skin and there are lots of customizable options meaning you can remove things from Messenger until you are happy. I'm actually surprised he didn't try and plug it himself ...
>> Download Beaver and Steve
This skin is very stylish and well made. Looking over all the little details you can see a lot of effort has been put into making this skin. This skin is compatible with Windows Live Messenger 8.5 and 9.0, so what are you waiting for? Add SkyLines to your skin library.
>> Download SkyLines
A dark skin is the best way to describe this. Its simple, but I like simple and I think this is just the start for its creator. The skin is customised for green, red, blue and black colour themes.
>> Download Nightfall
Similar to Nightfall this skin uses soft gradients well. It has its flaws, but overall it is a good skin.
>> Download RoyaLive!
This skin is all about basics. It shows that all you need to do is take your time and perfect the images you want to skin. The colours in Office07 compliment Messenger well, but more importantly its creator designed this website, so I'm forced to think it looks great.
>> Download Office07
This skin users colours well in my opinion. The theme of green and blue suits Messenger when used in this way. It adds fun to Messenger, but at the same time good enough to use everyday. It may not be perfect, but Nao Messenger is better than most.
>> Nao Messenger
I hope you liked my list. If you have a skin of your own and want to share it send it our way. Remember these are just a selection of the skins available, view the entire database for more. If your skin is not on the list, there is a chance I missed it, but more probable is I didn't like it.
Messenger Plus! Live update (4.50.312)
on Mon 17 Dec 2007 (09:37 GMT)
on Mon 17 Dec 2007 (09:37 GMT)
Patchou has released a minor update to the newly released Messenger Plus! Live 4.50. This version fixes some small bugs found in the initial release of 4.50, which are:
>> Download: Messenger Plus! Live 4.50.312
>> View Patchou's Announcement
>> View Messenger Plus! Live Skins Database
- Updated language files included.
- You now get a clear message when importing a skin that's not compatible with the version of Messenger you're currently using. A message is also displayed if an incompatible skin is enabled in the Preferences panel.
- The script editor is now LTR even with if Hebrew or Arabic is selected.
- Fixed: some preferences are not re-loaded properly when different users sign-in without restarting Messenger.
- Fixed: the Resource Extractor does not properly extracts the resources of Messenger Plus! when asked.
- Some small last-minute issues have been taken care of.
- Scripts: a new ImageId optional parameter has been added to Combo_AddItem(). This allows you to insert items with a picture in combobox controls.
>> Download: Messenger Plus! Live 4.50.312
>> View Patchou's Announcement
>> View Messenger Plus! Live Skins Database
Messenger Plus! Live 4.50.310 released!
on Sun 09 Dec 2007 (07:11 GMT)
on Sun 09 Dec 2007 (07:11 GMT)
After 6 months of development Messenger Plus! Live 4.50 has been released to the public. The main update was the introduction of a Messenger skins manager, improvements to existing features and WLM 9 compatibility.
You can download the build from the offical website and add skins from the database. I suggest reading this article if you want to give skinning a go, which we be building useful links of skinning tutorials.
In the next few months you can expect a huge amount of skins to arrive. The learning curve is small and just about anyone can create a skin. Some will be fantastic, and some will just be plain awful. We will be hosting any that catch our eye in our skins database, giving you a selection of the best.
>> Download Messenger Plus! Live
>> View Patchou's announcement of the release
You can download the build from the offical website and add skins from the database. I suggest reading this article if you want to give skinning a go, which we be building useful links of skinning tutorials.
In the next few months you can expect a huge amount of skins to arrive. The learning curve is small and just about anyone can create a skin. Some will be fantastic, and some will just be plain awful. We will be hosting any that catch our eye in our skins database, giving you a selection of the best.
>> Download Messenger Plus! Live
>> View Patchou's announcement of the release
Messenger Plus! Live 4.50 in the next 24 hours!
on Sat 08 Dec 2007 (21:16 GMT)
on Sat 08 Dec 2007 (21:16 GMT)
This is just a quick post telling you Patchou has just been announced that Messenger Plus Live! will be released in the next 24 hours:
The update contains a system for managing Messenger skins, tweaks to current features and Windows Live Messenger 9.0 compatibility.
>> Source: Messenger Plus! Live Community Forum
>> Messenger Plus! Live official website
Plus! 4.50 along with its updated web site will be released this weekend, this hasn't changed, but there's still about 36 hours until the end of my weekend ;). Alright... let's say Plus! will be released no later than within the next 24 hours.
The update contains a system for managing Messenger skins, tweaks to current features and Windows Live Messenger 9.0 compatibility.
>> Source: Messenger Plus! Live Community Forum
>> Messenger Plus! Live official website
Yahoo! Messenger for Windows Vista released as public beta
on Thu 06 Dec 2007 (22:40 GMT)
on Thu 06 Dec 2007 (22:40 GMT)
Yahoo! Messenger for Windows Vista has been in development for way over a year now. It was officially announced last January and today a public beta has been released to the public. Its features include:
Yahoo! Messenger for Vista has its flaws. There are a lot of bugs and everything seems very basic at the moment. However, I can see a lot of potential and the idea totally re-designing the software should be on the table for Windows Live Messenger. I can see the completed product being very popular. You can view a video of Yahoo! Messenger for Windows Vista in action below:
>> Source: Yahoo! Messenger development blog
>> View some screenshots of Yahoo! Messenger for Windows Vista
>> Visit the official website
- Organize your conversations into tabs, or drag and drop a tab out to create a new window
- Keep up with your favorite contacts by dragging them into the Windows Sidebar gadget
- Send enhanced emoticons that have some extra oomph
- Change the color of your IM windows with a built-in skin chooser. Go crazy with a different skin for every IM window!
- Adjust the display size of your contacts with a handy slider
- Arrange your contact list into multiple columns just by resizing your window
- Send instant messages to your Yahoo! and Windows Live Messenger contacts
- Send files to friends as large as 2 GB
- Find contacts quickly with the contact search bar. Type in a few letters of the contact's name or ID and they'll come up in filtered results.
- As-you-type spell checker that's smart enough to know that 'LOL' is not something to correct
- A preferences menu you can access by right-clicking anywhere at the top of the main Messenger window
Yahoo! Messenger for Vista has its flaws. There are a lot of bugs and everything seems very basic at the moment. However, I can see a lot of potential and the idea totally re-designing the software should be on the table for Windows Live Messenger. I can see the completed product being very popular. You can view a video of Yahoo! Messenger for Windows Vista in action below:
>> Source: Yahoo! Messenger development blog
>> View some screenshots of Yahoo! Messenger for Windows Vista
>> Visit the official website
Messenger Plus! Live 4.50 should be here this weekend
on Thu 06 Dec 2007 (22:01 GMT)
on Thu 06 Dec 2007 (22:01 GMT)
Just a quick post here to tell you Messenger Plus! Live appears to have a release date set for this weekend. Testers have been given the final set of builds over the past couple of weeks and the last minute suggestions and bugs are being dealt with. Skinners are also working hard to reveal their skins ready for the official release. Compatibility with Windows Live Messenger 9.0 is also fully integrated, with just a few minor issues present. You definitely should be looking forward to this release.
Windows Live Messenger 9.0 beta expanded!
on Wed 28 Nov 2007 (18:27 GMT)
on Wed 28 Nov 2007 (18:27 GMT)
So the first Windows Live Messenger 9.0 beta has finally expanded past just butterflies and MVPs to some specially selected testers of previous versions.
There are apparently about 5000 people officially (on Microsoft Connect) testing version 9.0.1407.1107, described by Microsoft as an alpha version and dubbed in the About window as 'Version 2009'. In the welcoming email to testers the Messenger team said:
Here at Messenger Stuff we are 100% against leaks and don't want to jeopardize the beta in any way. For this reason we will not be hosting or linking to any of the leaked setup files. However, we understand that many of you will like to know the changes, so I'm quoting a small changelog from mess.be:
The current version of Messenger Plus! Live (4.23) is "incompatible" with the new beta but Patchou has already said that the latest version of Messenger Plus! Live (version 4.50), due for release in the first week of December, will be compatible. A version of A-Patch has already been made for the new beta.
>> View screenshots in our gallery
There are apparently about 5000 people officially (on Microsoft Connect) testing version 9.0.1407.1107, described by Microsoft as an alpha version and dubbed in the About window as 'Version 2009'. In the welcoming email to testers the Messenger team said:
Please note that this is a private beta for a very small audience only - Windows Live Messenger 9.0 isn't ready for wide distribution yet. By entering the beta, you're agreeing to use the client and send us feedback, and to not share it with anyone else. Doing so is against the Terms of Use. If the build gets out too widely and starts causing problems on the service we may have to shut it down. We don't want to do that and we know you don't want that to happen, so please keep it to yourself.
Here at Messenger Stuff we are 100% against leaks and don't want to jeopardize the beta in any way. For this reason we will not be hosting or linking to any of the leaked setup files. However, we understand that many of you will like to know the changes, so I'm quoting a small changelog from mess.be:
- Sign-in and messaging in multiple locations - You asked for it, now you have it! You can now sign into Messenger from more than one computer at a time, up to four at once. Simply sign into Messenger from one computer, install Messenger on another computer and sign in using the same account. (Only works if all computers are running Messenger 9.0 Beta. Currently enabled only for users whose Windows Live ID country is US or Canada.)
- Signature sounds – Pick your own personal sound that your contacts will hear when you sign into Messenger (only works if you and your contacts have Messenger 9.0 Beta).
- Per contact sounds - Pick unique sounds for each of your contacts. You will be able to tell from across the room who is sending you a message.
- SPIM Reporting - If users send you unsolicited messages or invitations that you consider spam, you can block them and report them as spammers. If you report a user as a spammer, the messenger service will collect this data and put appropriate restrictions on the spammer accounts. All reports of spammers are kept confidential.
- Animated Display Pictures – Show your moves! Messenger now supports animated .gif files as display pictures.
- Link in Personal Status Message – URLs in Personal Status Messages are hot and clickable in the Messenger contact list.
- Behind the Scenes Changes – Architectural changes that modified how things work but shouldn't have changed how things look
- Changes to sign-in, connectivity, presence, sending text IM’s, voice & video featuresWindows Live Contacts Server – wlcomm.exe runs in the background to keep your contacts’ information up-to-date and helps Messenger sign you in faster
The current version of Messenger Plus! Live (4.23) is "incompatible" with the new beta but Patchou has already said that the latest version of Messenger Plus! Live (version 4.50), due for release in the first week of December, will be compatible. A version of A-Patch has already been made for the new beta.
>> View screenshots in our gallery
A closer look into Messenger Plus! skinning
on Thu 22 Nov 2007 (20:16 GMT)
on Thu 22 Nov 2007 (20:16 GMT)
Last week we revealed the big new feature coming to Messenger Plus! Live: skinning! It appears some things are unclear so I just want to go into the specific details of skinning and some of the things Plus! does to enchant it.
Skins are edited within XML files
No more resource hacking or other odd methods. You can create simple skins with just a few lines of code. This works well and allows even the most novice of skinners to create good skins. You can replace everything including text strings, images, uifiles and even the Messenger Plus! design itself.
Shaping Windows
One thing that has never been possible is changing the shape of Messenger's windows. Messenger Plus! Live now allows you to manipulate windows thus opening a wider range of possibilities within Messenger's set in stone design.
Skin Options
Skinners can now set options within skins. Directly implementable in uifiles, you change just about change any aspect of Messenger with a touch of a button. I've been creating a soft patch using this method which you can view in the screenshot below:
Skins may be compatible with several versions of Messenger
Depending on how a skin is designed, it may work across many versions of Windows Live Messenger thus meaning it is not tied to a specific build (like it currently is).
No Limitations
Whatever was possible in skinning in MSN Messenger is still possible. RLE files are back to PNGs and extra features such as shaping windows and advanced options really make skinning the best it has ever been.
The learning curve is also very low. Some of the stuff above may looks daunting, but it isn't. Skinning is not complicated and just about anyone can create an advanced skin, never mind a basic one. Yes you can create your own Messenger skin within minutes!
>> Download the current release of Messenger Plus! Live
Skins are edited within XML files
No more resource hacking or other odd methods. You can create simple skins with just a few lines of code. This works well and allows even the most novice of skinners to create good skins. You can replace everything including text strings, images, uifiles and even the Messenger Plus! design itself.
Shaping Windows
One thing that has never been possible is changing the shape of Messenger's windows. Messenger Plus! Live now allows you to manipulate windows thus opening a wider range of possibilities within Messenger's set in stone design.
Skin Options
Skinners can now set options within skins. Directly implementable in uifiles, you change just about change any aspect of Messenger with a touch of a button. I've been creating a soft patch using this method which you can view in the screenshot below:
Skins may be compatible with several versions of Messenger
Depending on how a skin is designed, it may work across many versions of Windows Live Messenger thus meaning it is not tied to a specific build (like it currently is).
No Limitations
Whatever was possible in skinning in MSN Messenger is still possible. RLE files are back to PNGs and extra features such as shaping windows and advanced options really make skinning the best it has ever been.
The learning curve is also very low. Some of the stuff above may looks daunting, but it isn't. Skinning is not complicated and just about anyone can create an advanced skin, never mind a basic one. Yes you can create your own Messenger skin within minutes!
>> Download the current release of Messenger Plus! Live
Coming Soon: Windows Live Messenger 9.0 BETA
on Thu 22 Nov 2007 (18:48 GMT)
on Thu 22 Nov 2007 (18:48 GMT)
For everyone who is celebrating Thanksgiving, we at Messenger Stuff would like to wish you a safe and tummy filled holiday!
A few days ago invitations to the Windows Live Messenger 9.0 BETA were sent to ~1000 testers. At this point we're all under NDA, so no information or screenshots can be made available. The public beta should be starting soon so keep your eyes on your inbox because it's first come first serve. As soon as the word is given, we're going to feature a full review of the beta as well as some possible invites for our readers! So, keep checking back for updates!
A few days ago invitations to the Windows Live Messenger 9.0 BETA were sent to ~1000 testers. At this point we're all under NDA, so no information or screenshots can be made available. The public beta should be starting soon so keep your eyes on your inbox because it's first come first serve. As soon as the word is given, we're going to feature a full review of the beta as well as some possible invites for our readers! So, keep checking back for updates!
Crashed Messenger? Recover conversations with SessionSaver
on Tue 20 Nov 2007 (11:55 GMT)
on Tue 20 Nov 2007 (11:55 GMT)
Windows Live Messenger has a habit of crashing for me. It doesn't like me sending files or opening too many conversations before it gives up and I am forced to close it. I then lose all my open conversations, which can be frustrating.
SessionSaver helps make this annoyance more tolerable. SessionSaver is a Messenger Plus! Live script that can restore your conversation windows:
The script works well, is easy to use and looks very professional. This is a must have script in my opinion, just check out some of the screenshots below:
>> Download SessionSaver
SessionSaver helps make this annoyance more tolerable. SessionSaver is a Messenger Plus! Live script that can restore your conversation windows:
This script automatically keeps track of all conversations open. If for some reason Messenger should crash, when you log back in a Recovery Window will notify you that conversations were open when it crashed, and will show you a list of them.
It gives the options of :
Additionally, it will also keep track of group conversations you are in. If any group conversations are open when Messenger crashes, then a new option will be available on the Recovery Window, along with the 3 mentioned above – View group conversations.
It gives the options of :
- Restoring all the chats that were open
- Doing nothing (i.e. opens no windows and closes the recovery window - the Close button will also do this)
- Choose from the list of contacts which windows it will re-open
Additionally, it will also keep track of group conversations you are in. If any group conversations are open when Messenger crashes, then a new option will be available on the Recovery Window, along with the 3 mentioned above – View group conversations.
The script works well, is easy to use and looks very professional. This is a must have script in my opinion, just check out some of the screenshots below:
>> Download SessionSaver
New screenshot of Windows Live Web Messenger, beta soon!
on Sat 17 Nov 2007 (15:38 GMT)
on Sat 17 Nov 2007 (15:38 GMT)
I've been busy labelling a new screenshot of Windows Live Web Messenger to show you all the features that will be available when the service launches into public beta, which should be quite soon. The features include:
The feedback page is up, the dogfood entrance site has been updated, and it's actually being recognised by Microsoft, so how much longer until we get to play with the only Windows Live wave 2 product not to have been properly revealed yet?
>> New screenshot of Windows Live Web Messenger
- Ability to change your display name, display picture, personal message and status
- Similar look to Windows Live Messenger PC client
- Send emoticons and nudges
- Contact options including groups and word-wheel searching
- No more multiple windows! Multi-chat view to show mini stacked conversations or full window view to show one conversation and then choose others from a list on the right
The feedback page is up, the dogfood entrance site has been updated, and it's actually being recognised by Microsoft, so how much longer until we get to play with the only Windows Live wave 2 product not to have been properly revealed yet?
>> New screenshot of Windows Live Web Messenger
Exclusive look at Messenger Plus! Live 4.50
on Sat 17 Nov 2007 (12:21 GMT)
on Sat 17 Nov 2007 (12:21 GMT)
Messenger Plus! Live 4.50 has been in beta testers hands for a few weeks now, and there are some significant changes. A new design, numerous tweaks and some impressive new features really make this release one of the best ever. Here are the main changes:
Skinning
Messenger Plus! Live's main new feature is fully integrated skins within Messenger! The program manages skins, allows skin creators to develop them easier than ever before (no more .rle issues) and customize Messenger's design to its full potential. It is seriously impressive and I bet more skins like the ones available for MSN Messenger. Skins will be made faster and in a larger quantity. Windows Live Messenger itself could not implement this feature better. Skinning also allows manipulation of Messenger's windows, something which was never possible before. You can see a basic example of this happening in the screenshot below:
Design
Messenger Plus! Live has fully integrated its design with Windows Live Messenger 8.5, but with additional tweaks that Messenger itself can benefit from. Check a look at some screenshots in our gallery and see the new design for yourself.
Changes to contact list clean-up
The new contact list clean up wizard has two modes: one for the contacts on your list and one for the contacts that have you on their list. This helps you know the people you have deleted that still have you in their contact list and who knows you may want to add them again.
Event notifications within conversations
Chat logging
The chat log viewer has had various improvements, which can make the script we talked about, Log Manager seem a little dated. However, new features such as a print preview menu, faster browsing their ability to search within multiple logs, reading over old chats is better than ever.
Scripts
A new debug window is present and the script editor window now has line numbers and the ability to close off certain sections. Basically the script editor is now more practical and similar to that of most modern code editors.
Others
I can assure you the changelog goes on and on and on and you will notice the various little tweaks for yourself. The list above are just the main changes. However, what you will really notice is the development of skins. If you are skinner don't think we have been skinning for long, testers only got it enabled as of yesterday, so you are pretty much in the same shoes as us.
>> View some screenshots in our gallery
>> Download the current release of Messenger Plus! Live
Skinning
Messenger Plus! Live's main new feature is fully integrated skins within Messenger! The program manages skins, allows skin creators to develop them easier than ever before (no more .rle issues) and customize Messenger's design to its full potential. It is seriously impressive and I bet more skins like the ones available for MSN Messenger. Skins will be made faster and in a larger quantity. Windows Live Messenger itself could not implement this feature better. Skinning also allows manipulation of Messenger's windows, something which was never possible before. You can see a basic example of this happening in the screenshot below:
Design
Messenger Plus! Live has fully integrated its design with Windows Live Messenger 8.5, but with additional tweaks that Messenger itself can benefit from. Check a look at some screenshots in our gallery and see the new design for yourself.
Changes to contact list clean-up
The new contact list clean up wizard has two modes: one for the contacts on your list and one for the contacts that have you on their list. This helps you know the people you have deleted that still have you in their contact list and who knows you may want to add them again.
Event notifications within conversations
This feature notifies you of your contact events in the chat window themselves, in the area where 'user is typing' is generally displayed. This is mostly visible if you're using Windows Live Messenger 8.5.
Chat logging
The chat log viewer has had various improvements, which can make the script we talked about, Log Manager seem a little dated. However, new features such as a print preview menu, faster browsing their ability to search within multiple logs, reading over old chats is better than ever.
Scripts
A new debug window is present and the script editor window now has line numbers and the ability to close off certain sections. Basically the script editor is now more practical and similar to that of most modern code editors.
Others
- An additional options menu has been adding to contact cards.
- Encrypted log files an now have an optional password hint.
- Event notifications such as when a contact signs out is enabled by default.
- The installer system has been improved with a bigger uninstaller menu and is faster on Windows Vista.
- An option has been added that allows you to hide your 'contact is typing a message notification', something we have already talked about in the past.
- You can show your currently installed scripts with the (!SVER) command.
- A /exit command has been added which closes all current chats and exits Messenger.
- There is now 'disable sign-out confirmation when chats are opened' option in the Customize section of the preferences.
I can assure you the changelog goes on and on and on and you will notice the various little tweaks for yourself. The list above are just the main changes. However, what you will really notice is the development of skins. If you are skinner don't think we have been skinning for long, testers only got it enabled as of yesterday, so you are pretty much in the same shoes as us.
>> View some screenshots in our gallery
>> Download the current release of Messenger Plus! Live
Confusion over the future of MSN Messenger for Mac
on Sun 11 Nov 2007 (10:34 GMT)
on Sun 11 Nov 2007 (10:34 GMT)
This week has raised confusion about the future of MSN Messenger for Mac. Along with information about Windows Live Messenger 9, rumors suggested that the program would be re-designed for the better:
Microsoft then responded to this well received piece of news. This was summed up by ZDNet:
So MSN Messenger for Mac won't be re-branded, but it will get a lot of new exciting features to attract a wider market.
MS will no longer update the MSN Messenger for Mac, but they are going to release a brand new client for Mac OS X that is according to him 'Really, really cool and awesome' but he would not provide any more details due to his NDA.
Microsoft then responded to this well received piece of news. This was summed up by ZDNet:
As it turns out Office 2008 for Mac will include Messenger for Mac 6.0 [out of] the box [...]
According to the Mac BU [Business Unit] they've reached a milestone in the development process of Messenger for Mac 7.0 with the recent launch of a private beta with new Audio and Visual capabilities for a select group of enterprise customers using Office Communication Server 2007.
According to the Mac BU [Business Unit] they've reached a milestone in the development process of Messenger for Mac 7.0 with the recent launch of a private beta with new Audio and Visual capabilities for a select group of enterprise customers using Office Communication Server 2007.
So MSN Messenger for Mac won't be re-branded, but it will get a lot of new exciting features to attract a wider market.
Joost and Meebo integrate to allow IM with TV
on Thu 08 Nov 2007 (20:59 GMT)
on Thu 08 Nov 2007 (20:59 GMT)
Joost, the online TV service which has been a hit since the word go has announced it will integrate its product with the popular web messenger Meebo.
Joost is a service programmed from the creators of Skype and has been hinted to start a new kind of media. Integration with Meebo will make both services better and who wouldn't want to IM friends across multiple IM networks whilst watching television?
>> View a screenshot of this in action
>> Source: Techcrunch
Joost is a service programmed from the creators of Skype and has been hinted to start a new kind of media. Integration with Meebo will make both services better and who wouldn't want to IM friends across multiple IM networks whilst watching television?
>> View a screenshot of this in action
>> Source: Techcrunch
Windows Live Messenger 8.5 released a day early
on Tue 06 Nov 2007 (21:08 GMT)
on Tue 06 Nov 2007 (21:08 GMT)
As part of Windows Live Wave 2 there are a huge amount of Windows Live beta products being released this week. For the first time we have seen in years Microsoft actually set a release date, scheduled for the 7th of November for Windows Live Messenger. However, mess.be have managed to get their hands on the build a day early, marking the new version of Windows Live Messenger 2008 (build 8.5.1302.1018).
So what are the changes? Well, err, hum, ahhh, I don't know. Bug fixes seem to be part of the update and with no word on the development blog I'm confused if this release is actually different. I'm finding a lot of issues still present (does anyone find the sounds are way too loud?) and the design has not been perfected yet.
I'm going to be harsh here, but this is the worse release of Messenger I have had experience of. No new features, more bloat and a general lack of improvement all add up to a poor release. The installer also has issues (I didn't click agree or navigate anything). Who is the project manager?
Messenger Plus! Live works perfectly with the new build but I'm not sure current 8.5 skins will work (some may, some may not, I will confirm later).
>> View screenshots of the update
>> Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1302.1018
>> Download A-Patch for the new build
>> Source: mess.be
So what are the changes? Well, err, hum, ahhh, I don't know. Bug fixes seem to be part of the update and with no word on the development blog I'm confused if this release is actually different. I'm finding a lot of issues still present (does anyone find the sounds are way too loud?) and the design has not been perfected yet.
I'm going to be harsh here, but this is the worse release of Messenger I have had experience of. No new features, more bloat and a general lack of improvement all add up to a poor release. The installer also has issues (I didn't click agree or navigate anything). Who is the project manager?
Messenger Plus! Live works perfectly with the new build but I'm not sure current 8.5 skins will work (some may, some may not, I will confirm later).
>> View screenshots of the update
>> Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1302.1018
>> Download A-Patch for the new build
>> Source: mess.be
Windows Live Messenger 9.0
on Sun 04 Nov 2007 (07:44 GMT)
on Sun 04 Nov 2007 (07:44 GMT)
There has been a lot of activity around the Messenger world in the past week regarding Windows Live Messenger 9.0. Internal builds are ready and are indeed being passed around to the internal beta team. Included in this alpha version of WLM 9.0, are new API components. We've been told that there is a new UI that millions of users requested when Windows Live Messenger 8.0 was released worldwide.
This new API includes some very neat Vista sidebar gadgets, such as a contact and their status. Clicking on the docked contact would allow you to open a chat, drag text, drag-and-drop files, images, and music automatically. A Messenger Lite version with no more than 600 lines of code but includes many features that Windows Live Messenger 8.0 has.
A release date has not been announced, but thanks to Paul we've been told that Windows Live Messenger 9.0 should reach managed beta phase by early December to late December.
Check back for updates and more exclusive information!
This new API includes some very neat Vista sidebar gadgets, such as a contact and their status. Clicking on the docked contact would allow you to open a chat, drag text, drag-and-drop files, images, and music automatically. A Messenger Lite version with no more than 600 lines of code but includes many features that Windows Live Messenger 8.0 has.
A release date has not been announced, but thanks to Paul we've been told that Windows Live Messenger 9.0 should reach managed beta phase by early December to late December.
Check back for updates and more exclusive information!
New Messenger Plus! Live 4.50 screenshot
on Sun 28 Oct 2007 (00:14 GMT)
on Sun 28 Oct 2007 (00:14 GMT)
Although Patchou posted in his development blog that he would release a new build of Messenger Plus! Live (4.50) by the end of the month, beta testers have received no builds or news about the upcoming version.
It is clear Patchou is knee deep into development and I've just received an email from him revealing a new screenshot of Messenger Plus! Live 4.50.
The screenshot shows a new design, blending in with the new look of Windows Live Messenger 8.5 beta. Chat logging appears to be more advanced with the ability to search for words in multiple logs. The new version seems to provide a better experience for script developers with a clearer script editor and debug window.
I'm getting rather excited now, I wonder what else Patchou has to show us. He was brief in his email, keeping his cards close to his chest. I believe he will be revealing something big within the next week or so.
>> View the new screenshot of Messenger Plus! Live 4.50
Update: The BETA has begun, and there is a lot instore in v4.50. More information to be released soon! You're going to be stunned!
It is clear Patchou is knee deep into development and I've just received an email from him revealing a new screenshot of Messenger Plus! Live 4.50.
The screenshot shows a new design, blending in with the new look of Windows Live Messenger 8.5 beta. Chat logging appears to be more advanced with the ability to search for words in multiple logs. The new version seems to provide a better experience for script developers with a clearer script editor and debug window.
I'm getting rather excited now, I wonder what else Patchou has to show us. He was brief in his email, keeping his cards close to his chest. I believe he will be revealing something big within the next week or so.
>> View the new screenshot of Messenger Plus! Live 4.50
Update: The BETA has begun, and there is a lot instore in v4.50. More information to be released soon! You're going to be stunned!
A web messenger with webcam! We bring you ... IMO
on Sat 27 Oct 2007 (16:54 GMT)
on Sat 27 Oct 2007 (16:54 GMT)
Have you ever noticed that the popular web messengers never have webcam functionality? Well we received an email from imo.im informing us of a large update to their web messenger.
After exploring IMO's features I can tell you it is very basic but the potential it has is huge. It is the only web messenger I know of that has webcam support. Its interface has potential, I think it just needs a designer to spice it up. The simple, compact design makes it a great portable web messenger fully implemented with JavaScript and a secure connection.
Before you login you have the opportunity to use other IM systems such as Google Talk, Yahoo! Messenger and AIM. On login it will put the contact list to one side and on the other side there is an input box allowing you to log into a second account.
Currently the main features are:
This is only the alpha version so be sure to keep checking back because new features will be springing up soon (I, myself have suggested a few).
>> Visit the IMO homepage
After exploring IMO's features I can tell you it is very basic but the potential it has is huge. It is the only web messenger I know of that has webcam support. Its interface has potential, I think it just needs a designer to spice it up. The simple, compact design makes it a great portable web messenger fully implemented with JavaScript and a secure connection.
Before you login you have the opportunity to use other IM systems such as Google Talk, Yahoo! Messenger and AIM. On login it will put the contact list to one side and on the other side there is an input box allowing you to log into a second account.
Currently the main features are:
- The ability to use webcam
- Add a custom status
- Search Buddies
- Add Buddies
- Delete Buddies
- Use more than one account
- Use different IM's
- And the ability to link your accounts
This is only the alpha version so be sure to keep checking back because new features will be springing up soon (I, myself have suggested a few).
>> Visit the IMO homepage
Firefox addon now available for Meebo
on Thu 18 Oct 2007 (17:30 GMT)
on Thu 18 Oct 2007 (17:30 GMT)
I've already shown you how to use Meebo within your web browser and I thought it was a good idea as it made using web messengers just that little more practical. Now you can use Meebo specifically for Firefox with a new official addon.
Meebo for Firefox integrates the web messenger well, you can show/ hide your contact list whenever you like, receive toast messages and things are a little more organised.
Although I am a Windows Live Messenger user I think it's tempting to combine my web browser and Messenger within one program. The only use I had for web messengers before was when the server went down, now Meebo has integrated its service into Firefox I believe it opens the door to the everyday user.
Nevertheless, after logging in a tab opens which will keep the main Meebo website open which is necessary to keep you logged onto the service. This means you still log into Meebo via the website and not through the addon. However the addon helps make it simpler and much easier to use.
>> View a screenshot of the addon in action
>> Download Meebo for Firefox
Meebo for Firefox integrates the web messenger well, you can show/ hide your contact list whenever you like, receive toast messages and things are a little more organised.
Although I am a Windows Live Messenger user I think it's tempting to combine my web browser and Messenger within one program. The only use I had for web messengers before was when the server went down, now Meebo has integrated its service into Firefox I believe it opens the door to the everyday user.
Nevertheless, after logging in a tab opens which will keep the main Meebo website open which is necessary to keep you logged onto the service. This means you still log into Meebo via the website and not through the addon. However the addon helps make it simpler and much easier to use.
>> View a screenshot of the addon in action
>> Download Meebo for Firefox
eBuddy introduces group chatting and conference calling
on Mon 15 Oct 2007 (19:00 GMT)
on Mon 15 Oct 2007 (19:00 GMT)
Web messengers are becoming more popular and more complex. All the time we report on interesting new features added to web messengers that have caught up with the main stream market. You can now have conference calls and group chats with eBuddy, opening a space for business users to keep updated with no programs installed.
>> Source: eBuddy blog
>> Visit the eBuddy website
>> View our web messenger page
The actual feature is pretty straightforward, you can now start group chats with all your buddies that are on the MSN, Yahoo or AIM networks. This means you can start a MSN groupchat, a Yahoo groupchat or an AIM groupchat, not one with mixed contacts.
We have added some other nifty features like being able to give a group chat a name, so that you can find it easily, and being able to filter contacts when you invite them.
We have added some other nifty features like being able to give a group chat a name, so that you can find it easily, and being able to filter contacts when you invite them.
>> Source: eBuddy blog
>> Visit the eBuddy website
>> View our web messenger page
Tell people you use Messenger with your own customisable button
on Thu 11 Oct 2007 (19:44 GMT)
on Thu 11 Oct 2007 (19:44 GMT)
If you want more Messenger contacts and want a way for friends to add you via your favourite social networking website then have a look at this.
There is a small, well designed, easy to use website created by Microsoft that will create a Messenger button for you as well as providing the code to add to Blogger, MySpace, Facebook, Windows Live Hotmail and many more.
It's easy to use, very useful and the buttons look great. I suggest you check it out if you want to spread your Messenger address to friends who visit your MySpace profile or read your personal blog regularly.
>> Create your own personalised Messenger button
>> Source: mess.be
There is a small, well designed, easy to use website created by Microsoft that will create a Messenger button for you as well as providing the code to add to Blogger, MySpace, Facebook, Windows Live Hotmail and many more.
It's easy to use, very useful and the buttons look great. I suggest you check it out if you want to spread your Messenger address to friends who visit your MySpace profile or read your personal blog regularly.
>> Create your own personalised Messenger button
>> Source: mess.be
Windows Live Messenger's biggest problem
on Tue 09 Oct 2007 (16:24 GMT)
on Tue 09 Oct 2007 (16:24 GMT)
For most users, Windows Live Messenger is an excellent piece of software, serving a common purpose: communicating. It gets a bit buggy a few times, blocks your connections for an unknown reason, decides to lose a few message here and there, but still makes you very happy when it actually does work, which is almost always lately.
Now I certainly do not want my first post to show a biased side of me (I am a proud user of Windows Live Messenger, and have been for as long as I can remember using a computer). Yet, anyone who's ever looked around at other IM software, such as Google Talk, Yahoo! Messenger, GAIM or Skype (well, it does have a chat feature) know that the software has something that is somehow wrong.
Some blame the new Installer (which I do believe will win the Grammy for 'worst setup process' of the year), other mention the software being bloated with useless features (I can't say I don't agree) and several others hold the buggy code responsible for it (people do believe that it's what's inside that counts).
My point of view is a bit different, I do believe everything mentioned above does help the software being way less desirable (don't you kids go thinking dirty now), but something else 'bugs' me (yes, I see the irony of the chosen words right there).
I think it all has to do with the features which are wrongly integrated in the software. Don't get me wrong, a lot of them have a good purpose (at least to me) but they seem to have been thrown in there in such a rush, that no planning, analysis or just common thinking efforts were used to develop the ideas.
Take for example the chat logging feature, which has been there for as long as I can remember (I might not be that old, but that still means a several number of years). To this day, chat logging is still put up in the simplest way, allowing no emoticon saving, no encryption possible, no management what's so ever of the logging and barely a color/font reproduction. I'd also mention the design of the chat log page to be simply unpleasant, but it's not that important to me (again, it's what's inside that counts).
Exporting/Importing a list of contacts also joins my list of disappointingly coded features; the idea is brilliant but actually letting us select who we want to be in the new list would've been way better. Allowing people to create lists of contacts for work, social events and being able to distribute it without the hassle of opening the file with notepad and editing it manually would be something that I'd consider essential in such a feature.
The 'add nickname' feature is also poorly implemented, although it does what you want it to do hence change the user's original nickname to one you chose, there is no way to know (unless you right click and look manually at the e-mail) which contact is who (something that could be useful when having a friend with two e-mail accounts, or just two friends sharing the same name).
Another instance of this situation could is the contact's details as it's called. The idea of keeping personal information private or not, depending of who sees it is very well thought, but it gets to be such a hassle to give permission to each of your contacts who decided wanted your phone number. Not to mention that the Space to Messenger update is most of the time not only late, but very buggy. Creating some kind of business card which you could send to the contacts you want would be perfect, and easier to manage.
A lot of other features and options could be mentioned, making this Windows Live Messenger’s biggest problem (at least by me): not fixing/developing what is present in the software, yet keeping on implementing other new features.
Now I should probably apologize for not only forgetting to introduce myself earlier, but also for putting you to sleep during this essay. My name's albert, and I’m a new msgstuff poster, and I’ll be looking forward to your comments.
Till the next news, see you at the forums.
Now I certainly do not want my first post to show a biased side of me (I am a proud user of Windows Live Messenger, and have been for as long as I can remember using a computer). Yet, anyone who's ever looked around at other IM software, such as Google Talk, Yahoo! Messenger, GAIM or Skype (well, it does have a chat feature) know that the software has something that is somehow wrong.
Some blame the new Installer (which I do believe will win the Grammy for 'worst setup process' of the year), other mention the software being bloated with useless features (I can't say I don't agree) and several others hold the buggy code responsible for it (people do believe that it's what's inside that counts).
My point of view is a bit different, I do believe everything mentioned above does help the software being way less desirable (don't you kids go thinking dirty now), but something else 'bugs' me (yes, I see the irony of the chosen words right there).
I think it all has to do with the features which are wrongly integrated in the software. Don't get me wrong, a lot of them have a good purpose (at least to me) but they seem to have been thrown in there in such a rush, that no planning, analysis or just common thinking efforts were used to develop the ideas.
Take for example the chat logging feature, which has been there for as long as I can remember (I might not be that old, but that still means a several number of years). To this day, chat logging is still put up in the simplest way, allowing no emoticon saving, no encryption possible, no management what's so ever of the logging and barely a color/font reproduction. I'd also mention the design of the chat log page to be simply unpleasant, but it's not that important to me (again, it's what's inside that counts).
Exporting/Importing a list of contacts also joins my list of disappointingly coded features; the idea is brilliant but actually letting us select who we want to be in the new list would've been way better. Allowing people to create lists of contacts for work, social events and being able to distribute it without the hassle of opening the file with notepad and editing it manually would be something that I'd consider essential in such a feature.
The 'add nickname' feature is also poorly implemented, although it does what you want it to do hence change the user's original nickname to one you chose, there is no way to know (unless you right click and look manually at the e-mail) which contact is who (something that could be useful when having a friend with two e-mail accounts, or just two friends sharing the same name).
Another instance of this situation could is the contact's details as it's called. The idea of keeping personal information private or not, depending of who sees it is very well thought, but it gets to be such a hassle to give permission to each of your contacts who decided wanted your phone number. Not to mention that the Space to Messenger update is most of the time not only late, but very buggy. Creating some kind of business card which you could send to the contacts you want would be perfect, and easier to manage.
A lot of other features and options could be mentioned, making this Windows Live Messenger’s biggest problem (at least by me): not fixing/developing what is present in the software, yet keeping on implementing other new features.
Now I should probably apologize for not only forgetting to introduce myself earlier, but also for putting you to sleep during this essay. My name's albert, and I’m a new msgstuff poster, and I’ll be looking forward to your comments.
Till the next news, see you at the forums.
Keep organised on Messenger with Stickynotes
on Sun 07 Oct 2007 (15:17 GMT)
on Sun 07 Oct 2007 (15:17 GMT)
When I'm on my laptop doing work I find myself thinking of things I always need to write down. I usually scribble these thoughts on a pad of paper, or sometimes I open notepad and make a list of the tasks I need to get done. Without doing this I would forget all about the things I need to do.
Because I often have Messenger running in the background and I'm always seeing it on screen, I would find it helpful if my tasks were displayed in a place I look regularly.
Stickynotes does exactly this. One of the winners of the Messenger Plus! scripting contest, this is a unique and well coded script. Easy to use, and does the job great. It's like having post-it notes around your screen:
It is a very useful script and I suggest giving it a try.
>> Download Stickynotes
Because I often have Messenger running in the background and I'm always seeing it on screen, I would find it helpful if my tasks were displayed in a place I look regularly.
Stickynotes does exactly this. One of the winners of the Messenger Plus! scripting contest, this is a unique and well coded script. Easy to use, and does the job great. It's like having post-it notes around your screen:
Stickynotes creates customizable windows on the desktop that can store notes. There are currently three themes and each window can be colored, resized, collapsed, moved, made transparent, snapped to the edges of the screen or each other, and more. Each note is editable and the title and note itself can be changed.
It is a very useful script and I suggest giving it a try.
>> Download Stickynotes
Use any version of MSN Messenger again using resource hacking
on Sat 06 Oct 2007 (20:01 GMT)
on Sat 06 Oct 2007 (20:01 GMT)
I already briefly mentioned you can resource hack into MSN Messenger and trick the Messenger servers you are using an newer, secure version. Ahmad, creator of A-Patch created this tutorial on how to do so.
You're done, run Messenger.
Use this at your own risk. This should also work on 7.5 builds. I hope to create a small patch soon which will do all this at a click of a button. This is a good method that will allow you to use your favourite Messenger client again.
- Exit Messenger and open up msnmsgr.exe using Resource Hacker.
- Expand the 'Version Info' folder.
- Expand the '1' folder.
- Click on the green icon numbered '1033' (number might be different if using a different language, that's fine)
- Now on the right side of the window change:
VALUE 'FileVersion', '7.0.0816' to
VALUE 'FileVersion', '7.0.0820' and change:
VALUE 'ProductVersion', '7.0.0816' to
VALUE 'ProductVersion', '7.0.0820' - Click the Compile Script button at the top.
- Click File > Save.
You're done, run Messenger.
Use this at your own risk. This should also work on 7.5 builds. I hope to create a small patch soon which will do all this at a click of a button. This is a good method that will allow you to use your favourite Messenger client again.
Messenger Plus! Live 4.50 coming end of October?
on Sat 06 Oct 2007 (16:48 GMT)
on Sat 06 Oct 2007 (16:48 GMT)
Patchou has announced Messenger Plus! Live 4.50 is nearly ready for beta testing and could be released at the end of the month:
This is great news, I wonder what Patchou has in store for Messenger Plus!? As soon as beta testers get their hands on the new build I'll let you into what's changed and if it has been worth the wait.
>> View the announcement at the Messenger Plus! Forums
Hello,
it's now official, the next public version of Messenger Plus! will be labelled Messenger Plus! Live 4.50. This new version will be a major refresh of the software, the most important update since the release of 4.00 more than a year ago. Messenger Plus! has a new look, new windows, new features and even the web site will get an overhaul. Most of the code work is now complete, GFDD is working hard on the new visuals and the first beta version will soon be sent to the internal beta-test team (sorry, the team is currently closed to new admissions).
As announced previously, the new version is scheduled be released at the end of this month but a release in early November is not out of the question. That's the price to pay to get quality software that will improve your Messenger experience, not degrade it. Also, on a more personal note, I just realised that by the time the public build gets uploaded to the servers, 5 months will have passed since the last release. Is it me or does time go faster and faster, year after year? I easily spend 6 days a week doing my job and still, it always seems like I don't have time to do everything I want. After more than 6 years, I really must be a slow software programmer, either that or I should consider hire someone to help... anybody reading this good at C++?
New features and screenshots will be revealed later this month. Messenger Plus! is still Messenger Plus! though, don't set your expectations too high, it's still the same software, just with an additional 5 month of work done to it and one new feature in particular that promises to be as popular as scripts currently are. In the meantime, thank you all for your continuous support and for allowing me to live my passion for another year.
Patchou
it's now official, the next public version of Messenger Plus! will be labelled Messenger Plus! Live 4.50. This new version will be a major refresh of the software, the most important update since the release of 4.00 more than a year ago. Messenger Plus! has a new look, new windows, new features and even the web site will get an overhaul. Most of the code work is now complete, GFDD is working hard on the new visuals and the first beta version will soon be sent to the internal beta-test team (sorry, the team is currently closed to new admissions).
As announced previously, the new version is scheduled be released at the end of this month but a release in early November is not out of the question. That's the price to pay to get quality software that will improve your Messenger experience, not degrade it. Also, on a more personal note, I just realised that by the time the public build gets uploaded to the servers, 5 months will have passed since the last release. Is it me or does time go faster and faster, year after year? I easily spend 6 days a week doing my job and still, it always seems like I don't have time to do everything I want. After more than 6 years, I really must be a slow software programmer, either that or I should consider hire someone to help... anybody reading this good at C++?
New features and screenshots will be revealed later this month. Messenger Plus! is still Messenger Plus! though, don't set your expectations too high, it's still the same software, just with an additional 5 month of work done to it and one new feature in particular that promises to be as popular as scripts currently are. In the meantime, thank you all for your continuous support and for allowing me to live my passion for another year.
Patchou
This is great news, I wonder what Patchou has in store for Messenger Plus!? As soon as beta testers get their hands on the new build I'll let you into what's changed and if it has been worth the wait.
>> View the announcement at the Messenger Plus! Forums
The new buddy for the PSP
on Sat 29 Sep 2007 (12:17 GMT)
on Sat 29 Sep 2007 (12:17 GMT)
OK so you're at a cafe in London and you have picked up a few unsecured wireless networks on your laptop, so you connect and then talk to some of your mates/business employees on MSN, Yahoo, GTalk etc. And you're talking about something really important:
And your laptop battery dies! So what do you do? You pull out your PSP and go to m.ebuddy.com. It then loads up a special eBuddy website that is dedicated for the PSP that the real nice guys from eBuddy have created just for you.
Why did they do this? Well according to their blog they are getting more and more people using the normal eBuddy on the PSP:
So what does it consist of? It has a simple interface that doesn't take long to load and has all the features you need. Sure it doesn't have everything, just the essentials to make instant messaging portable.
>> Source: eBuddy blog
>> eBuddy for the PSP
Nathan says (13:00): What am I getting for my Birthday?
Emily says (13:01): Well I am thinking of buying you...
Emily says (13:01): Well I am thinking of buying you...
And your laptop battery dies! So what do you do? You pull out your PSP and go to m.ebuddy.com. It then loads up a special eBuddy website that is dedicated for the PSP that the real nice guys from eBuddy have created just for you.
Why did they do this? Well according to their blog they are getting more and more people using the normal eBuddy on the PSP:
Every month we are seeing more and more users chatting with our Mobile Internet version on a Playstation Portable. Therefore, we decided to develop a brand new version, specially designed for the PSP ... and we just released it!
So what does it consist of? It has a simple interface that doesn't take long to load and has all the features you need. Sure it doesn't have everything, just the essentials to make instant messaging portable.
>> Source: eBuddy blog
>> eBuddy for the PSP
MSN Messenger back on Windows XP!
on Wed 26 Sep 2007 (21:38 GMT)
on Wed 26 Sep 2007 (21:38 GMT)
Good news for Windows XP users still wanting to use MSN Messenger. The new 7.0.0820 build released a couple of weeks ago now allows XP users to sign into it, without any hassle. Anand from the MessengerSays blog has this to say:
This is great news and it shows that the Messenger team are listening to its users.
>> Source: MessengerSays blog
We've seen feedback from several people that they would like to stay on a version of MSN Messenger. Given that many of us currently on the Windows Live Messenger team also worked on MSN Messenger for years, we can appreciate the sentiment. Based on this, we have a new option we hope you'll like.
For those of you on XP who are passionate about staying on MSN Messenger, we've now released the new, more secure build of MSN Messenger 7.0 build 0820 for Windows XP, and we recommend you install and use this build (rather than running MSN Messenger 7.5 on XP in Windows 2000 compatibility mode as we realize some of you are doing). If you currently have MSN Messenger 7.5 installed, we recommend you uninstall it via Add/Remove Program
For those of you on XP who are passionate about staying on MSN Messenger, we've now released the new, more secure build of MSN Messenger 7.0 build 0820 for Windows XP, and we recommend you install and use this build (rather than running MSN Messenger 7.5 on XP in Windows 2000 compatibility mode as we realize some of you are doing). If you currently have MSN Messenger 7.5 installed, we recommend you uninstall it via Add/Remove Program
This is great news and it shows that the Messenger team are listening to its users.
>> Source: MessengerSays blog
'Phase 2' of forced upgrade now in progress
on Sun 23 Sep 2007 (21:05 GMT)
on Sun 23 Sep 2007 (21:05 GMT)
Microsoft have began 'phase 2' of updating Windows users to the fixed builds of MSN/ Windows Live Messenger. Now users using Windows 95 to Windows 2000 will have to update to MSN Messenger 7.0.0820:
What I find interesting is that Microsoft are still forcing the update despite the high amount of criticising comments left on the MessengerSays blog.
In the second phase, we are turning on the Mandatory Security Upgrades for Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, and Windows ME. As noted in the security bulletin, we have built a new version of MSN Messenger 7.0, build number 7.0.0820, that will run on Windows 2000. This version of MSN Messenger has also been tested for Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, and Windows ME. Users should expect these upgrades to start soon.
To recap, the set of Messenger clients that do not have the webcam security vulnerability are:
To recap, the set of Messenger clients that do not have the webcam security vulnerability are:
- Windows Live Messenger 8.1 (for XP and Vista)
- MSN Messenger 7.0.0820 (for Windows 2000 and Windows 98, SE, ME)
- Windows Messenger – all versions (XP only)
- MSN Messenger 5.0 for Windows 95.
- Microsoft Messenger for Macintosh (all versions)
What I find interesting is that Microsoft are still forcing the update despite the high amount of criticising comments left on the MessengerSays blog.
New Messenger beta has improvements to video calls
on Sun 16 Sep 2007 (10:23 GMT)
on Sun 16 Sep 2007 (10:23 GMT)
Looks like this piece of news is a few days old, but nevertheless I'll post it anyway. The new Windows Live Messenger 8.5 beta build released last week, which was believed to contain minor bug fixes and tempt Messenger users into using the new Windows Live Installer actually has significant improvements to video calling:
I want small improvements like this to be applied all over Windows Live Messenger. You all must have a pet hate feature that you find horrible to use (adding emoticons or sending files to a contact for example). I've also noticed the Messenger team are blogging a lot more and there appears to be some new faces.
>> Source: MessengerSays blog
My name is Aaron, and I'm a PM for the Messenger Voice, Video and Sounds team. We recently released an update to our earlier 8.5 Beta (which Jason pointed out earlier) that has many improvements to video call, especially on Vista. If you've occasionally run into audio jitter or noise in a Video Call, our latest version should help. We also improved echo support and a small issue with the volume sliders.
I want small improvements like this to be applied all over Windows Live Messenger. You all must have a pet hate feature that you find horrible to use (adding emoticons or sending files to a contact for example). I've also noticed the Messenger team are blogging a lot more and there appears to be some new faces.
>> Source: MessengerSays blog
Messenger IM control coming soon to your website/ blog
on Sat 15 Sep 2007 (15:44 GMT)
on Sat 15 Sep 2007 (15:44 GMT)
Some cool integration news between Windows Live Messenger and your website/ blog has been posted over at LiveSide. They obtained information about an online application called 'Messenger IM Control' at Mix UK. The feature basically allows you and your website readers to contact you anomalously through Messenger:
I think the screenshots posted explain this feature very well. You can also view them at this gallery. I'll post more news on this feature when I get it. Messenger Stuff will be using it and showing you examples when it becomes available.
When the feature becomes available, you would go to the settings page on the net for it and select that you would like to enable this feature, you can then create the html that will go on your website/blog. This will allow people to see when you're online and allow them to then start up a conversation with you.
I think the screenshots posted explain this feature very well. You can also view them at this gallery. I'll post more news on this feature when I get it. Messenger Stuff will be using it and showing you examples when it becomes available.
More on the forced upgrade to Windows Live Messenger
on Sat 15 Sep 2007 (12:01 GMT)
on Sat 15 Sep 2007 (12:01 GMT)
I've been receiving a lot of emails the past couple of days and reading many comments on various Messenger blogs and forums about Windows XP users being forced to upgrade from MSN Messenger to Windows Live Messenger. To sum up there are many users who find the program new and exciting, and of course those who find the update restrictive and incompatible with their system.
Windows Live Messenger is seen as a resource hogging, new designed, new branded MSN Messenger and people don't seem to like it. Many people stick with MSN Messenger for a variety of reasons as Windows Live Messenger may have compatibly issues or people simply don't like change.
MessengerSays, the official development blog of Windows Live Messenger has posted about the forced update three times now. They are addressing problems and listening to feedback. Nevertheless, there seems no sign that the team will reverse their decision.
The ionic thing about this was Microsoft forced users to update to fix a security hole that wasn't even being exploited. This was to protect user's computers and of course avoid a bad experience using Messenger. However, by doing this they have created more tension between the program and its users on a scale worse than what a virus could do. In my opinion MSN Messenger should still be available to everyone.
Another thing to note is, if you're on Windows XP and using the new MSN Messenger 7.0.0820 build to avoid the update, you will no longer be able to sign in. According to Messenger MVP Sunshine you will be forced to update:
Basically if you're using Windows XP, MSN Messenger is a thing of the past. Say hello to Windows Live Messenger or find an alterative client. If you have an issue report it to the offical Windows Live Messenger newsgroups.
>> MessengerSays: Upgrading to Messenger 8.1
>> MessengerSays: We hear you!
>> MessengerSays: Securing Messenger
Windows Live Messenger is seen as a resource hogging, new designed, new branded MSN Messenger and people don't seem to like it. Many people stick with MSN Messenger for a variety of reasons as Windows Live Messenger may have compatibly issues or people simply don't like change.
MessengerSays, the official development blog of Windows Live Messenger has posted about the forced update three times now. They are addressing problems and listening to feedback. Nevertheless, there seems no sign that the team will reverse their decision.
The ionic thing about this was Microsoft forced users to update to fix a security hole that wasn't even being exploited. This was to protect user's computers and of course avoid a bad experience using Messenger. However, by doing this they have created more tension between the program and its users on a scale worse than what a virus could do. In my opinion MSN Messenger should still be available to everyone.
Another thing to note is, if you're on Windows XP and using the new MSN Messenger 7.0.0820 build to avoid the update, you will no longer be able to sign in. According to Messenger MVP Sunshine you will be forced to update:
Even tho it says in the system requirements of 7.0.0820 that you can run it on WinXP you are not supposed to do so. WinXP has gotten into the requirements by mistake, this will be fixed. MSN Messenger 7.0.0820 will only run on OS'es pre-Windows XP..all on WinXP and Vista will have to upgrade to Windows Live Messenger.
Basically if you're using Windows XP, MSN Messenger is a thing of the past. Say hello to Windows Live Messenger or find an alterative client. If you have an issue report it to the offical Windows Live Messenger newsgroups.
>> MessengerSays: Upgrading to Messenger 8.1
>> MessengerSays: We hear you!
>> MessengerSays: Securing Messenger
Meebo introduces file transfers
on Thu 13 Sep 2007 (20:10 GMT)
on Thu 13 Sep 2007 (20:10 GMT)
I despise Windows Live Messenger's file transfer, it sure has aged from when it first was released and became a massive success all those years ago. So I thought it was very impressive when a new worker called Matt coded up a full file transfer protocol for the hit web messenger Meebo.
I think this takes Meebo up a level, making it more practical for business users, and despite some restrictions can be very helpful for those in need of sending a quick IM along with a report or spreadsheet:
>> Source: Meebo blog
I think this takes Meebo up a level, making it more practical for business users, and despite some restrictions can be very helpful for those in need of sending a quick IM along with a report or spreadsheet:
You'll notice that there's a new bright and shiny button on the IM window toolbar (the white square with the swanky green arrow). We've tried to make the whole transfer process as easy as we could, so all you have to do is click a button and upload a file. The receiver on the other end will get a link to click on (similar to a meebo rooms invite) and all they have to do is click and accept. We're only allowing meebo account holders to send files, but anyone can receive... even your friends who are not on meebo (but should be =p). We're not quite supporting this feature in Safari yet, but hopefully soon!
>> Source: Meebo blog
MSN Messenger 7.0.0820 released to the world
on Thu 13 Sep 2007 (19:50 GMT)
on Thu 13 Sep 2007 (19:50 GMT)
As I predicted a couple of days ago a new build has been released for MSN Messenger 7.0, fixing a known webcam exploit. The update has come in to protect Windows users using Windows 2000 or below. XP users will be forced to upgrade to Windows Live Messenger 8.1 or higher.
Since the release there have been numerous requests by XP users who still want to keep MSN Messenger. Some people are very reluctant to use Windows Live Messenger for a variety if reasons. So what can you do to keep using MSN Messenger? Well there is a choice ...
First of all you could trick the Messenger protocol into keep using MSN Messenger, although there are no know tools for this yet you will probably see one crop up soon. The most common fixes are either changing the Messenger build number using resource hacker or selecting the compatibly mode when running the program (see screenshot).
Messenger MVP Sunshine had this to say on the issue:
Users should be promoted of the security update, but forcing users to switch to what seems like a new program is suicide for Messenger. I think things like this is what is putting MSN/ Windows Live Messenger firmly in the past, the market of instant messaging has changed since the glory days of just chatting to friends.
>> Download MSN Messenger 7.0.0820
Since the release there have been numerous requests by XP users who still want to keep MSN Messenger. Some people are very reluctant to use Windows Live Messenger for a variety if reasons. So what can you do to keep using MSN Messenger? Well there is a choice ...
First of all you could trick the Messenger protocol into keep using MSN Messenger, although there are no know tools for this yet you will probably see one crop up soon. The most common fixes are either changing the Messenger build number using resource hacker or selecting the compatibly mode when running the program (see screenshot).
Messenger MVP Sunshine had this to say on the issue:
If you are on WinXP and you don't like Windows Live Messenger you can also get the renewed MSN Messenger 7 version:
MSN Messenger 7.0.0820 for Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Millenium and Windows XP
The workaround posted here will probably stop working soon too, eventually you will not be able to sign in with 7.5 anymore (as long as you are using it you are also putting your comp at risk)! Users on Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Millenium will be forced to upgrade to 7.0.0820.
Detailed info: Microsoft Security Bulletin MS07-054, Vulnerability in MSN Messenger and Windows Live Messenger Could Allow Remote Code Execution (942099)
MSN Messenger 7.0.0820 for Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Millenium and Windows XP
The workaround posted here will probably stop working soon too, eventually you will not be able to sign in with 7.5 anymore (as long as you are using it you are also putting your comp at risk)! Users on Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Millenium will be forced to upgrade to 7.0.0820.
Detailed info: Microsoft Security Bulletin MS07-054, Vulnerability in MSN Messenger and Windows Live Messenger Could Allow Remote Code Execution (942099)
Users should be promoted of the security update, but forcing users to switch to what seems like a new program is suicide for Messenger. I think things like this is what is putting MSN/ Windows Live Messenger firmly in the past, the market of instant messaging has changed since the glory days of just chatting to friends.
>> Download MSN Messenger 7.0.0820
Windows Live Installer released with new Messenger beta
on Thu 06 Sep 2007 (19:14 GMT)
on Thu 06 Sep 2007 (19:14 GMT)
In follow up to yesterday's news, Windows Live Installer has been released and comes with the installation of Windows Live Messenger 8.5 beta 2 (build 8.5.1288).
So what's new? Well nothing really noticeable, just bug fixes according to the offical Messenger blog. Nevertheless, the build is just really to attract users to the new installer as there is no separate download at the moment, unless you download the files below. Here are some facts about the update:
Personally, beta is still bloated and annoying to use for me. All my settings have been modified and I'm finding more and more annoying little bugs. If this is what the finished product will be I'm sticking with 8.1. I'm sure these will be addressed by the final release though.
>> View our pictures of Windows Live Installer
>> Download Windows Live Suite Installer
>> Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1288 (English) (Mirror)
>> Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1288 (Spanish)
>> Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1288 (Dutch)
>> Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1288 (Arabic)
So what's new? Well nothing really noticeable, just bug fixes according to the offical Messenger blog. Nevertheless, the build is just really to attract users to the new installer as there is no separate download at the moment, unless you download the files below. Here are some facts about the update:
- Windows Live Installer has come under very heavy criticism, all comments tend to be negative, I believe a lot of this comes down to the speed and ease of use of the program.
- It is not compatible with x64 editions of Windows. Unless you try this hack.
- A-Patch and Mess Patch have been updated to work with the new Windows Live Messenger beta.
- Messenger Plus! Live is fully compatible with the new build according to creator Patchou.
Personally, beta is still bloated and annoying to use for me. All my settings have been modified and I'm finding more and more annoying little bugs. If this is what the finished product will be I'm sticking with 8.1. I'm sure these will be addressed by the final release though.
>> View our pictures of Windows Live Installer
>> Download Windows Live Suite Installer
>> Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1288 (English) (Mirror)
>> Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1288 (Spanish)
>> Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1288 (Dutch)
>> Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1288 (Arabic)
Enchant your Plus! chat logs with Log Manager
on Thu 31 Aug 2007 (17:19 GMT)
on Thu 31 Aug 2007 (17:19 GMT)
Chat logging is an amazing feature of Messenger Plus! Live and a flawed feature of Messenger itself. You can easily log your conversations and they will be saved how you originally saw them. As a bonus you can password protect your logs so only you will have access to them.
Log Manager by Mattike helps manage your log files and easily encrypt/ decrypt them all. It is pretty much an extension onto the current feature, but it makes managing your chat logs a lot easier.
Log Manager is a well coded script, beautifully designed and very easy to use. I think this is one of the better Plus! scripts out there and I highly recommend it. Download it today!
>> View Mattike's thread at the Messenger Plus! Forums
>> View screenshots of Log Manager
Log Manager by Mattike helps manage your log files and easily encrypt/ decrypt them all. It is pretty much an extension onto the current feature, but it makes managing your chat logs a lot easier.
Log Manager is a well coded script, beautifully designed and very easy to use. I think this is one of the better Plus! scripts out there and I highly recommend it. Download it today!
>> View Mattike's thread at the Messenger Plus! Forums
>> View screenshots of Log Manager
Messenger Air Live review
on Sat 18 Aug 20
on Sat 18 Aug 20