Microsoft has made available a new beta
version of its instant messaging application. Windows
Live Messenger 8.0.0689 builds on Microsoft's "Live"
initiative and features Windows Live Call. Windows Live Call is a new
VoIP service that allows Messenger users to phone each other for
free.
The Windows Live Call service will be
provided by Verizon and will be offered in the United States, the
United Kingdom, Germany, France and Spain. The service will expand to
Austria, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands
beginning next week.
Also new with the latest beta release
is the heavy integration Windows Live Contacts and a free synchronized audio and video service which is provided by Logitech.
Uniden and Philips have both announced
new phones which are compatible with Messenger and Live Call.
Uniden's 5.8GHz WIN1200
Philips' VOIP433
are both available now from a variety of retailers for around $100.
From Microsoft's press release:
“Windows Live Messenger is changing
the way people communicate and stay in touch,” said Martin Taylor,
corporate vice president of Windows Live and MSN at Microsoft. “With
powerful sharing, collaboration and communications tools designed to
put the user firmly in control of their communications experience,
Windows Live Messenger is a key part of the foundation of Windows
Live. The several million consumers already in the managed beta have
been giving us great feedback, and we’re excited to make the beta
of Windows Live Messenger to users worldwide.”
