MSN Messenger for Windows

Release summary and first impressions

The newest edition of MSN Messenger has been one of the most visible instant-messaging releases in recent memory. This update brings several fresh capabilities intended to enrich conversations and make chatting more engaging. While the upgrade adds attractive extras, the core experience remains familiar to long-time users.

Notable new capabilities

• Animated profile pictures that shift expression depending on the emoticons you use
• Winks — short downloadable animations you can send to contacts
• An integrated video chat feature for live face-to-face conversations

Core features that remain

• A streamlined contacts manager to keep your buddy list organized
• Direct access to Hotmail from within the client for quick email checks and sending
• A wide variety of emoticons for expressing yourself in chats

Practical use and how it stacks up

The application has improved multimedia chat options and includes SMS-sending functionality, which makes it more versatile than earlier versions. However, in several areas Microsoft appears to lag behind competitors. For example, Skype not only matches many of MSN’s features but also supports full PC-to-phone calling. Additionally, the client experience has grown more cluttered: the interface now shows more advertising and numerous links to other MSN services, which some users find intrusive.

Product lifecycle and platform changes

Although a large user base still relied on MSN Messenger, Microsoft eventually decided to retire MSN Messenger and Windows Live Messenger in favor of consolidating features under Skype. That transition reflects a move toward a single, more modern communications platform.

Final recommendation

MSN Messenger remains a friendly and straightforward IM client that’s ideal for novice users or those who prefer a lightweight chat tool. Power users and people who need advanced calling and telephony features will likely find Skype a better match.