Posted By Lonn 2008 was a busy year for the Windows Live Messenger team and we’re really proud of what we accomplished.  We started the year with an important update to the previous version, and finished the year with an entirely brand new beta release (link to video showing new features), which recently received the Editor’s Choice pick from PC MAG. “Among the big three IM apps, Windows Live Messenger is my favorite. Though it's technically still in beta, the product is mature enough to rate, and it's worth our Editors' Choice.” This is in addition to recognition that we’ve received all over the world including being rated the top Instant Messaging application in Germany’s largest computer magazine, ComputerBild, and appearing on the front cover of Micro Magazine in France.  

Messenger Holiday Cookies - 1st AttemptMessenger Holiday Cookies - 1st Attempt
 
 
 


Posted by Bennie Fun things you can do this Holiday with Windows Live Messenger and a Webcam Whether across the world, the country or the other side of town, it is easy to stay in touch, face-to-face, during the holiday season using Windows Live Messenger video calling and your webcam. And today, with many people looking to reduce holiday-related travel costs, video calling offers an alternative, fun and affordable way to connect with distant loved ones. With a real-time video call you can share a tradition, tell a tale, sing a song and spread some holiday cheer…together! Windows Live Messenger video call quality is better than ever. With the most recent Messenger release and a quality webcam, you can now experience a clearer, sharper picture with full-screen VGA video. True VGA video (640x480) is up to four times better resolution then prior solutions when switched to full screen. To experience a true VGA video call, you will need the latest version of Windows Live Messenger, a webcam, a PC with a dual core processor and broadband Internet connection. Additional improvements have been made in faster connection time to initiate a video call and a video-centric interface when not in full screen mode.Other fun things you can do with your web cam. Create a dynamic profile picture (see the post from Steven on how to do this) Place yourself in a holiday visual effect (using the software that comes with your webcam) Try Windows Live Video Messages Beta when your friends are not available for a Messenger video call Customize emoticons with images of yourself (See screenshot below) Tools > Emotic

posted by Thomas. Howdy everyone! I'm Thomas from the Messenger games team, and I want to share with you some exciting changes we have made to enhance the overall gaming experience in the new Messenger Beta client. (We just released a Beta Refresh, so make sure you download it from http://download.live.com)  Why change, you might ask?  Well, I believe that every Windows Live Messenger user deserves more than just a dropdown menu when it comes to choosing a game to play with a friend.  I also believe that we should leverage the cool social networking experience Windows Live has to offer. With those principles in mind, we focused on the following top features: Making it easy for you to find the right game for you Showing off Sharing your game results Discovering what your friends like to play Getting into the game We’ve made it easier than ever for you to jump