CNET Editors' review
A bold new look, video profile images, and the ability to log onto multiple computers at once are some changes found in Windows Live Messenger beta. While there is some new functionality, the biggest push centers on upping the IM client's cool factor to better engage users. To that end, the new Messenger beta is mostly successful. A space to store favorite contacts has materialized, as has the ability to create chat groups of up to 20 participants. There's a hard-to-find icon for changing the interface skin, and signature chimes that play on your friends' computers when you log in. One fun feature is the ability to create dynamic portraits from photos or 4-second videos taken with a Web cam. They can stand on their own or can be arranged in the 'mood tiling' menu to correspond to certain emoticons. When you type those emoticons, your profile image will briefly change to correspond with that mood.
Not to leave the chat window behind, it now accepts photos and videos that you drag-and-drop from any folder. You'll also note that conversations no longer snap to the end when you've scrolled up to review the chat, and that each new line is now defined by bullet points--some will rejoice; others will rebel.
This beta upgrade would have been an excellent opportunity to overhaul Windows Live Messenger's coarse-looking emoticons, but even more lamentable is that most of the new features depend on your buddies also being logged into the beta.
Watch the CNET video review of Windows Live Messenger:
Publisher's Description
From Microsoft:
Sure, you use Messenger to send instant messages, but did you know you can also make phone calls, video calls*, play games, and exchange pictures too? Windows Live Messenger beta adds a new status feed, group chatting, drag-and-drop photo-sharing, and multimedia display images.
What's new in this version: Windows Live Messenger beta adds a new status feed, group chatting, drag-and-drop photo-sharing, and multimedia display images.
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All versions:
3.4 starsout of 619 votes
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Current version:
3.5 starsout of 8 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-8 of 8
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""Do don't Microsoft Betas""
Version: Windows Live Messenger beta
Pros
I like the fact the Windows wants to do betas of products but they are not stable.
Cons
When I have tried betas, they always take to long to login and then crash.
Summary
Wait for the actual stable version to come out
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"Can't rate"
Version: Windows Live Messenger beta
Pros
Can't load
Cons
Can't load
Summary
All i get is ; error The windows live programs you've chosen can only be
installed on Vista or Windows XP operating system.
I'm running XP -
"tracyloca is writing this !!"
Version: Windows Live Messenger beta
Pros
i like it much better than the old one ... its cool looking
Cons
it doesn't have the send buttom and the pictures are on the left side of the screen .. thats needs to be inproved..
Summary
okay i just told what i like or not like about it ... Please change that there is a send button ...
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"Nice! Very nice!"
Version: Windows Live Messenger beta
Pros
I'm loving the new look to this version of Messenger! Even the use of animated GIFs in the display pic, a nice addition!
Cons
None that I've noticed.
Summary
Overall, I'd recommend this to any Windows Live Messenger users who are looking for a much sleeker looking version!
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"cool soft looking one"
Version: Windows Live Messenger beta
Pros
Great graphic interface; cool looking one
Cons
The MAIN PICTURE WINDOW, is on the LEFT SIDE kinda annoying to look at them, choose a pic and type; please put them back to the RIGHT SIDE like earlier version and like all other IM MESSENGERS!!
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"EXCELLENT GRAPHIC!!"
Version: Windows Live Messenger beta
Pros
Animating user picture, background and more ......
Cons
The "big" banner is really very annoying for me. VERY few of new features are introduced. No much surprise.
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"Great Messenger"
Version: Windows Live Messenger beta
Pros
Everything
Cons
Banner ADS :(
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"I Like It!!!!"
Version: Windows Live Messenger beta
Pros
Cool new graphics, skins etc, faster, added features
Cons
none really
Summary
overall it has made messenger even better. i highly recommend this to all windows live messenger users
Results 1-8 of 8
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