Windows Live Messenger Video
Windows Live Messenger Video Transcript
[ Music ] ^M00:00:01
>> There are a bazillion instant messaging clients out there, but through the years, MSN Messenger, which is now called Windows Live Messenger, has remained the top favorite. What does it have that the others don't? I'm Jessica Dolcourt with CNETdownload.com and today we will be taking a first look at Windows Live Messenger. I'm a long-time user of this IM and the three most important things to me with any IM client are the looks, the Chat experience and file sharing. Windows Live Messenger is a pretty good looking client, it's easy to see your buddy's status, and when you open a chat window, it has this nice sleek web 2.0 look and large buddy icons. The chat experience is rich in variant to the point where traditional chat is only one of the many functions. Not only can you chat one on one or with a group, but you can also chat with a web cam or insert a recording of your voice into the message. There is also support for free SMS messaging and voice over IP calls to anyone. Now for the extras and Windows Live Messenger is crammed with them. In the chat window, you've got an array of emoticons and going one step further, animated winks that are larger than your average emoticon. You can also jazz things up with static or dynamic backgrounds for the chat window. Even more interactively, you can challenge a buddy to an online game, like solitaire showdown or poker. A big bonus for me is this messenger security nod, you can configure Windows Live Messenger to automatically scan files you receive for viruses. Every program has its less desirable features and this one is no different. I'm not so enamored of the amateur smiley's, for the ads in the chat window in games previews. I also didn't like any of the hidden commercial features, like the fine Wii-me dynamic avatar created only to discover I had to pay for registration. It suddenly became a lot less cute. There are a lot of fun activities to enhance the user experience but there aren't so many that you won't be overwhelmed, if all you want to do is just chat. This is Jessica Dolcourt for CNETdownload.com and we've been chatting about Windows Live Messenger. ^M00:01:57 [ Music ]
Related Videos
Stop MSN or Windows Live Messenger spam
Easily stop MSN or Windows Live Messenger spam from distracting your instant message conversations.
Download.com guide to MSN Messenger
The new MSN Messenger lets you see, hear, and share with your friends instantly. There are many new features added into this streamlined and easy-to-use application: Video Conversation and Audio Conversation*, winks, dynamic display pictures, shared searches, improved photo sharing with Photo Swap and PC to mobile phone text messaging.** In addition to these new features, you will find all the things you expect from an instant-messaging service. You can see if your friends are online and what their status is; control whether you appear online, offline, busy, or away; have as many open conversations as you want; and be notified of new e-mail in your MSN Hotmail account. The new MSN Messenger has all the things you need in an instant messenger, plus an array of new ways to communicate online. *Audio Conversation and Video Conversation requires both parties to have microphones and speakers. Video Conversation also requires web cameras. **Free offer does not include any charges made by the recipient's wireless carrier for receiving or replying to messages.
Use Windows Live Messenger like a phone
You can make calls, send text messages, and even have video chats in Windows Live Messenger.
ICQ Pro 2003b is the latest release of ICQ, the instant-messaging program that lets you communicate with friends and colleagues in real time. To seek out a friend on the ICQ network, simply enter his or her ICQ number, name, nickname, or e-mail address. Once your contact list is set up, you'll be notified when your friends are online so you can chat; send instant messages, files, and URLs; play games; or just hang out. ICQ Pro 2003b includes ICQphone, a feature that incorporates IP telephony functions into the ICQ program. Users can initiate and participate in PC-to-PC and PC-to-phone calls. In addition, users can also utilize SMS technology, send wireless-pager messages, view up-to-date information on ICQ channels, and integrate ICQ with Outlook. With the latest version of ICQ, you can move instantly from the Pro to Lite versions just by clicking "Switch to ICQ lite" from the Main menu, and the shared ICQ preferences and password make it easy to move between Lite and Pro versions without losing your settings. Other new features include improved e-mail integration and user interface, enhanced integration with Windows XP, automatic firewall detection, and the new Search Google window which allows you instant access to Google searches through the ICQ interface, plus much more. For a complete list of new features, visit the ICQ New Features page.
See the new voice-activation feature in Windows Live Messenger for Mobile in action.
Quick Tips: Hand write your instant messages
Turn on handwriting in Windows Live Messenger, for a personal touch.
ICQ is an instant-messaging program that lets you communicate with and send files to friends and colleagues in real time.
From games to instant-messaging and business-oriented applications, Apple demonstrated practical uses of its software development kit. CNET News.com's Kara Tsuboi shares the highlights from the event at the company's headquarters in Cupertino, Calif.
Tekzilla Daily: Create custom fonts in Windows
Design your own characters or edit existing fonts with a hidden Windows program.
Although iTunes has always been one of the best pieces of jukebox software available, the company continues to improve upon a great thing with version 6, which adds the much-rumored video capabilities. Though the last major release of this program featured a revamped design, the big news this time around is a video player that accomodates both your own files and ones you buy at the iTunes Music Store. The experience of both purchasing and playing videos is almost identical to perfoming the same actions with music, so seasoned users will have no trouble. All the features we've loved from past versions are still intact, including seamless iPod integration, smart playlists, CD burning, label printing, the ability to rip files in multiple formats (except WMA), network sharing, and, of course, the enormously successful iTunes Music Store. Rounding out the feature set are parental controls, integrated podcasts, and a smart-shuffle option. Whether you're already among the converted or have yet to try this top-notch player, iTunes 6 should find a home on any media junkie's computer.
