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New screenshots reveal further details on Windows Live Messenger 2010
on Mon 22 Feb 2010 (12:35 GMT) (18222 views)
on Mon 22 Feb 2010 (12:35 GMT) (18222 views)
Over the past few months news has started to surface on the details of the wave 4 release of Windows Live products and services and this has included a vast array of information on Messenger. View our tag page on WLM 2010 to get a full overview of new features revealed so far.
So what can we reveal today? Well new leaked screenshots uncover a further merging of Messenger with social networking. LiveSide have analysed the images in detail and discovered five key changes:
Classic "Contact List" view is still available – as we've told you earlier, the expanded "social" pane on the left is collapsible by simply clicking on the icon on the top-right corner. The screenshot on the right shows the collapsed view, with the advertisement in its original size.
Twitter and WordPress connection – one of the screenshots showed us that besides Facebook, you can also "connect" to Twitter and WordPress
Possible Video Messages integration – Windows Live Video Messages has been in beta since its introduction back in 2008, and while it is branded with the Wave 3 theme, it didn’t really have much integration with the rest of Windows Live. From one of the newly leaked screenshots, one of the social updates seems to show that Video Messages is now integrated right into Messenger:
Geo-tagging support in Windows Live Photos – One of the social update tiles also hinted at possible geo-tagging support in Windows Live Photos (and perhaps even Photo Gallery!):
New "Friends" view – which allows you to view all your contacts and sort them into categories based on their interests, details, Messenger status, and more:
Once again we've seen some interesting details on what we can expect to be using within the next couple of months. Windows Live Messenger 2010 has great focus on social networking integration, perhaps in an attempt to thwart the competition it faces from such websites.
Source: CNBeta
So what can we reveal today? Well new leaked screenshots uncover a further merging of Messenger with social networking. LiveSide have analysed the images in detail and discovered five key changes:
Classic "Contact List" view is still available – as we've told you earlier, the expanded "social" pane on the left is collapsible by simply clicking on the icon on the top-right corner. The screenshot on the right shows the collapsed view, with the advertisement in its original size.
Twitter and WordPress connection – one of the screenshots showed us that besides Facebook, you can also "connect" to Twitter and WordPress
Possible Video Messages integration – Windows Live Video Messages has been in beta since its introduction back in 2008, and while it is branded with the Wave 3 theme, it didn’t really have much integration with the rest of Windows Live. From one of the newly leaked screenshots, one of the social updates seems to show that Video Messages is now integrated right into Messenger:
Geo-tagging support in Windows Live Photos – One of the social update tiles also hinted at possible geo-tagging support in Windows Live Photos (and perhaps even Photo Gallery!):
New "Friends" view – which allows you to view all your contacts and sort them into categories based on their interests, details, Messenger status, and more:
Once again we've seen some interesting details on what we can expect to be using within the next couple of months. Windows Live Messenger 2010 has great focus on social networking integration, perhaps in an attempt to thwart the competition it faces from such websites.
Source: CNBetaScreenshot reveals possible change to Messenger emoticons [Update]
on Sat 20 Feb 2010 (22:18 GMT) (2351 views)
on Sat 20 Feb 2010 (22:18 GMT) (2351 views)
Perhaps the emoticons in MSN/ Windows Live Messenger have become a de facto standard for emoticon representation across many programs. You may judge this statement with close scrutiny, but their style has been adopted across many other applications and platforms. The Messenger emoticons have remained virtually untouched for years, but recent screenshots have revealed a radical update to the series.
Are these emoticons replacing the current set?
LiveSide described the change as "minor" yet "noteworthy". I couldn't agree more, as Microsoft's IM client has used the set for so many years now it seems odd that they would change. A glossy effect and the addition of eyebrows appears to be the real differences within the new emoticons, adding a more modern feel to the classic designs.
What do you think about the change (if it is indeed true)? I for one am indifferent, yet I think the current emoticons are some of the best in any available set.
Update
New screenshots have revealed the emoticon panel in full, showing that indeed the entire range has received a facelift. You can see the changes in the images below:
Are these emoticons replacing the current set?
LiveSide described the change as "minor" yet "noteworthy". I couldn't agree more, as Microsoft's IM client has used the set for so many years now it seems odd that they would change. A glossy effect and the addition of eyebrows appears to be the real differences within the new emoticons, adding a more modern feel to the classic designs.
What do you think about the change (if it is indeed true)? I for one am indifferent, yet I think the current emoticons are some of the best in any available set.
Update
New screenshots have revealed the emoticon panel in full, showing that indeed the entire range has received a facelift. You can see the changes in the images below:
Back in December screenshots of the new Windows Live Messenger 2010 user interface were leaked by Neowin revealing some new features including social networking integration and tabbed chatting within conversation windows. Now LiveSide have revealed some new screenshots, shedding further light on what Messenger has to offer us in the upcoming year.
New features include what appears to be full compatibility with the new Windows 7 taskbar, some enchanted photo sharing options and the introduction of a banner advertisement within the conversation window (which may prove controversial).
Piecemeal obstructiveness of the Messenger ads may now have
reached a controversial tipping point
Winks and emoticons appear to have been merged
Browse the rest of the screenshots over at LiveSide
New features include what appears to be full compatibility with the new Windows 7 taskbar, some enchanted photo sharing options and the introduction of a banner advertisement within the conversation window (which may prove controversial).
Piecemeal obstructiveness of the Messenger ads may now have
reached a controversial tipping point
Winks and emoticons appear to have been merged
Browse the rest of the screenshots over at LiveSideAre Windows Live Messenger advertisements becoming more obstructive?
on Tue 15 Dec 2009 (21:41 GMT) (18436 views)
on Tue 15 Dec 2009 (21:41 GMT) (18436 views)
Microsoft generates profit on Windows Live Messenger through advertising, duh? So I want to start this post by saying without advertising in Messenger it wouldn't exist and thus they are a necessary evil in order to keep the service free. You probably notice the image advertisement on your contact list and a small text one at the bottom of your conservation window. However, it's the changes to these formats which are causing concern.
Previously we have reported on the content of some advertisments but the worry now is on the obstructive nature of some of these within the contact list and the size of those present in leaked screenshots of Windows Live Messenger 2010 last week. Take the example of the advertisement below (this is the rollover effect):
If the screenshots leaked last week of Windows Live Messenger 10 are indeed real then the situation could get worse:
So what's your opinion of advertising within Windows Live Messenger? Do you patch them out or use skins to mask them up? Do you ever find an advert relevant to your interests? As ever I'm always interested in opinions of users and this post is a response to the concerns I've been hearing the past week.
Previously we have reported on the content of some advertisments but the worry now is on the obstructive nature of some of these within the contact list and the size of those present in leaked screenshots of Windows Live Messenger 2010 last week. Take the example of the advertisement below (this is the rollover effect):
If the screenshots leaked last week of Windows Live Messenger 10 are indeed real then the situation could get worse:
So what's your opinion of advertising within Windows Live Messenger? Do you patch them out or use skins to mask them up? Do you ever find an advert relevant to your interests? As ever I'm always interested in opinions of users and this post is a response to the concerns I've been hearing the past week.
Windows Live Messenger 2010 leaked screenshots reveal new features
on Fri 11 Dec 2009 (16:47 GMT) (22639 views)
on Fri 11 Dec 2009 (16:47 GMT) (22639 views)
Earlier this week technology news website Neowin teased they had some information on the upcoming version of Windows Live Messenger 2010. Leaked screenshots have now revealed social networking integration as well as one of the most requested features, tabbed conversations:
The screenshots only shed a little light on what may be coming next Spring, but its the first news we've had on new Messenger features for a while.
It is interesting to note user reactions to the screenshots as most opinions have been on the negative side. Most seem to be concerned with the larger advertisements, the "social stream" being obstructive and significantly larger fonts. Nevertheless, this will probably change by the first beta.
View the contact list showing the new "social stream" feature
Source: Neowin - Windows Live Messenger 2010 revealed
Firstly the main Messenger window that contains your contacts has changed somewhat. Included on the left hand side is a "social stream" of updates provided by Windows Live. These are updates from your Messenger contacts and the data is provided by Windows Live. In current public Messenger builds some of this integration is present at the top of a conversation window. Windows Live Messenger aims to add to this by using the "social stream" as a showcase for your contacts updates. Providing your friends have including their Facebook, Twitter and Blog posts into Windows Live then you will see this in the stream.
The screenshots only shed a little light on what may be coming next Spring, but its the first news we've had on new Messenger features for a while.
It is interesting to note user reactions to the screenshots as most opinions have been on the negative side. Most seem to be concerned with the larger advertisements, the "social stream" being obstructive and significantly larger fonts. Nevertheless, this will probably change by the first beta.
View the contact list showing the new "social stream" feature Source: Neowin - Windows Live Messenger 2010 revealedTechnology website Neowin has revealed sources that point to active development on an official set of iPhone applications for Microsoft products, specifically targeted at Bing and Windows Live Messenger. While specifics on the Messenger app are not currently known, a timescale of Spring 2010 has been put on the program's release date:
In what may seem a bold move by Microsoft to release products for a strong competitor's device, there is a strong sense of growing support for Apple's products in Microsoft's software applications. This of course should be celebrated as it gives more to the end user. Nevertheless, with the vast array of IM apps for the iPhone that already do a fantastic job one could question whether Microsoft is too late to join this game?
Neowin also teased at knowing the future UI for Windows Live Messenger 2010, which it claimed would be revealed later this week.
Source: Neowin - Microsoft planning Bing and Messenger iPhone apps
Both applications are likely to be released alongside the upcoming Windows Live Wave 4 updates due in approximately March 2010. Neowin understands that Windows Live is working aggressively to move its applications onto the iPhone. Last week Microsoft principal group program manager David Raissipour confirmed to Cnet news that "We are actively working on it" when questioned over the Bing iPhone plans.
In what may seem a bold move by Microsoft to release products for a strong competitor's device, there is a strong sense of growing support for Apple's products in Microsoft's software applications. This of course should be celebrated as it gives more to the end user. Nevertheless, with the vast array of IM apps for the iPhone that already do a fantastic job one could question whether Microsoft is too late to join this game?
Neowin also teased at knowing the future UI for Windows Live Messenger 2010, which it claimed would be revealed later this week.
Source: Neowin - Microsoft planning Bing and Messenger iPhone apps Perhaps one of the most overdue and speculated features of Windows Live Messenger's history is the prospect of tabbed chats within conversations. Back in March 2006 project manager of Windows Live Messenger at the time, Leah Pearlman told the Messenger community about the idea of tabbed chatting:
Shortly after, popular add-on Messenger Plus! provided an effective third party solution, although StuffPlug did provide a basic tabbed conversation feature since MSN Messenger 6.2. Since then with every new major build of MSN/ Windows Live Messenger the development team have hinted at introducing such a feature. Now LiveSino are reporting the feature to be confirmed (originally translated from Chinese):
Of course the source in question is neither public or reliable, but rumor and speculation aside I cannot see a reason to why Windows Live Messenger 2010 would leave this feature out.
Source: arstechnica via LiveSide
Tabbed conversation windows. I don't know when we'll do it, but it's on the list.
Shortly after, popular add-on Messenger Plus! provided an effective third party solution, although StuffPlug did provide a basic tabbed conversation feature since MSN Messenger 6.2. Since then with every new major build of MSN/ Windows Live Messenger the development team have hinted at introducing such a feature. Now LiveSino are reporting the feature to be confirmed (originally translated from Chinese):
I've used M1 version, there is already a tab chat feature.
Of course the source in question is neither public or reliable, but rumor and speculation aside I cannot see a reason to why Windows Live Messenger 2010 would leave this feature out.
Source: arstechnica via LiveSideWith Windows Live Wave 4 already appearing in several Microsoft products, it is only a matter of time until we hear news about Windows Live Messenger 10. I asked members of the Messenger Plus! community forums to provide their opinions and tell me what they wanted out of Messenger in Windows Live Wave 4. Below is a summary of their responses:
You can see our list of wanted features from many months ago. From what I've noticed the list is not concerned with big new features, but minor tweaks to enchant what appears to be a rich IM experience. However, I always felt Windows Live Messenger 2009 was about that anyway. Nevertheless Microsoft needs to bring something unique to the table in order to get out of the rather piecemeal updates we have seen since the beginning of Windows Live Messenger.
As ever please drop a comment with your ideas, you never know who is reading.
- Integration with social networking websites i.e. Facebook
- Bigger display pictures by default
- Tabbed chatting (we've heard this one before)
- A clean up of the program's UI design
- Fix server issues where messages become undelivered
- More customisable toast alerts
- The ability to choose which side of the conversation display pictures appear on
- The option to turn off cleartype font rendering
You can see our list of wanted features from many months ago. From what I've noticed the list is not concerned with big new features, but minor tweaks to enchant what appears to be a rich IM experience. However, I always felt Windows Live Messenger 2009 was about that anyway. Nevertheless Microsoft needs to bring something unique to the table in order to get out of the rather piecemeal updates we have seen since the beginning of Windows Live Messenger.
As ever please drop a comment with your ideas, you never know who is reading.
One could sum up the title question as knowing very little at all. Although this is partially true, when one scratches behind the surface detail a picture can be painted. Here is a sum up of the news finds I have found that might give us a clue to what may be present in Windows Live Messenger 2010.
The next version of Messenger should be included within the "Wave 4" phase of Windows Live products. This tends to be an annual occurrence, occurring within August, where the final product tends to be released with other Windows Live products during the new year. Of course this does not mean much, but logic has it we will start to hear more news within the next month or so. This is strengthened by Windows Live Messenger's 10th anniversary occurring within a couple of days. When I asked the Messenger development team if we can expect any announcements, they sent me this Twitter message:
So it appears the team have some plans lined up for the big day, and with the growing trend within the past month to chat more openly and post more blog entries on their MessengerSays development blog there are good reasons to suspect some details to surface about Windows Live Messenger 10.
Back in January one of our old news posters, Sean Bradford (now an editor at Neowin) managed to get the chance to interview some Windows Live directors. Below is an extract from questions relevant to Messenger:
There have been rumors about integration with other non-Microsoft services, specifically targeting social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter. I for one would like this feature, and TheBlasphemer has also expressed a desire for this to be the next step forward for Windows Live Messenger.
If we look back on what Windows Live Messenger 2009 was about, it essentially created the stable, polished IM client that had been absent since MSN Messenger 7 back in 2005. The constant design updates within Windows Live may also have reached an end, and this gives the impression that Windows Live Messenger 10 will feature some new and exciting features. However, this is just reasoned speculation, we'll have to wait and see what reality holds. Hopefully next week will shed some light on the topic.
The next version of Messenger should be included within the "Wave 4" phase of Windows Live products. This tends to be an annual occurrence, occurring within August, where the final product tends to be released with other Windows Live products during the new year. Of course this does not mean much, but logic has it we will start to hear more news within the next month or so. This is strengthened by Windows Live Messenger's 10th anniversary occurring within a couple of days. When I asked the Messenger development team if we can expect any announcements, they sent me this Twitter message:
So it appears the team have some plans lined up for the big day, and with the growing trend within the past month to chat more openly and post more blog entries on their MessengerSays development blog there are good reasons to suspect some details to surface about Windows Live Messenger 10.
Back in January one of our old news posters, Sean Bradford (now an editor at Neowin) managed to get the chance to interview some Windows Live directors. Below is an extract from questions relevant to Messenger:
Q: Going back to when Windows Live was first released back in 2005, former Microsoft employee Leah Pearlman posted on the MessengerSays blog hinting at the fact that tabbed chatting would be coming into the scene soon. What happened?
A: That is a feature that we are still working on. As you know, we do hundreds of surveys and questionnaires on a monthly basis. We strive to give users the best possible client.
There have been rumors about integration with other non-Microsoft services, specifically targeting social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter. I for one would like this feature, and TheBlasphemer has also expressed a desire for this to be the next step forward for Windows Live Messenger.
If we look back on what Windows Live Messenger 2009 was about, it essentially created the stable, polished IM client that had been absent since MSN Messenger 7 back in 2005. The constant design updates within Windows Live may also have reached an end, and this gives the impression that Windows Live Messenger 10 will feature some new and exciting features. However, this is just reasoned speculation, we'll have to wait and see what reality holds. Hopefully next week will shed some light on the topic.
Poll: What must have feature would you like to see in Windows Live Messenger 2010?
on Tue 07 Apr 2009 (17:21 GMT) (1191 views)
on Tue 07 Apr 2009 (17:21 GMT) (1191 views)
Despite the recent release of Windows Live Messenger 2009, we must be conscious another version is in development. Major or minor builds aside, WLM 9 was very much about polishing the program, rather than focusing on new features. My prediction is the Windows Live Messenger 10 will have some big changes or something revolutionary to compete in what has become a newly competitive market in the past couple of years. So, what "big feature" would you like to see?
What "must have" feature would you like to see in Windows Live Messenger 2010?
Feb 2009 results
Last month's poll was asking whether you customize Windows Live Messenger using skins. Below are the results:
Feb 2009 results
Last month's poll was asking whether you customize Windows Live Messenger using skins. Below are the results:
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