MSN Messenger 7.0 Beta and MSN Web Messenger Released

Microsoft Press Release 03/12/04

Two new versions of MSN Messenger launch today. The public beta release of MSN Messenger 7.0 offers consumers new ways to express themselves online and personalize their instant messaging experience. Available for download at http://messenger.msn.co.uk/beta, the beta release of MSN Messenger will give consumers a taste of whats to come with the final release, expected next year. Features in the MSN Messenger 7.0 beta enable consumers to do the following:

Choose your online status. The beta release of MSN Messenger gives consumers more control over how theyre seen online by enabling them to choose their availability status before logging into Messenger.

Get attention. Consumers can reach out to friends and family by sending a "Nudge," an alert that shakes the contacts conversation window with an audible notification, or a "Wink," animated pictures that include sound and that can be virtually "thrown" onto the screen of a contacts Internet Messenger (IM) window. New emoticons, backgrounds and theme packs from Microsoft Corp., including advertiser-sponsored packs such as for "Halo 2", round out the experience.

Stay connected. Through integration with MSN Messenger, consumers can automatically let their contacts know that they have updated their MSN Space. The new MSN Messenger Contact icon gleams when an update is made, notifying others to visit the Space via the Contact Card.

Access the Web anywhere. MSN Web Messenger, shipping in 25 markets and 15 languages, enables consumers to access their MSN Messenger account and contacts from virtually any PC with an Internet connection.

MSN Web Messenger (http://webmessenger.msn.com ) also has its full release today too. It has a slightly less feature rich functionally but does not require the installation of any software and works straight off a web page which will make it popular where downloads are not permitted including some internet cafes and offices.

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