Here’s what Wikipedia contributors have to say about MSN Messenger (edited with a few comments from us)…
The major use of the software is for instant messaging, although other features which now come as standard include support for voice conversations, webcams (MSN Messenger 7.0 and later feature full screen audio video conversations e.g. Windows Live Messenger), transferring files, and built-in two-player online games such as tic-tac-toe. In a similar vein to many of MSN Messenger's competitors, MSN Messenger allows messages to be enlivened with graphical free emoticons, sometimes called smileys, Flash animations called winks (e.g. msn winks), animated display pictures (sometimes called avatars), styled text, and many more with third-party add-ons. The limit of msn contacts allowed is 300.
Macintosh users have a combined home and corporate client dubbed Microsoft Messenger for Mac 5.0 rather than MSN Messenger for home use and Windows Messenger for corporate use. The Macintosh version has far fewer features than its Windows counterpart; Version 5.0, though released several months after MSN Messenger 7.0, does not offer voice conversations, webcams, online games, and several other features already introduced and popular with Windows users. Another minor upgrade for Mac was released in March 2006, but it still does not support audio, video, or other extended features. Windows Live Messenger for Mac is now available but there’s still limited functionality. Annoying!
In August 2004, Microsoft introduced a browser-based version of the MSN Messenger client called msn web messenger which can be used on any computer with a compatible browser and access to the Internet, without the need to install the Messenger software beforehand. Users can use msn emoticons to express emotions whilst they chat. This 'Web-messenger' is very limited, and can only be used to chat. It is also possible to use the Messenger Service on a mobile phone using Microsoft’s MSN Mobile service. Again, Microsoft has elected not to allow their browser-based client to run on the Mac platform.
You can also connect to msn messenger network with a multiprotocol instant messaging application software and clients (which allows one instant messenger (IM) client to connect to multiple IM networks).
See more http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSN_Messenger
Get a comparison of instant messenger clients here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_instant_messaging_clients
With MSN Messenger you can chat online via text, voice, mobile phone or even video conversation -- in real time -- with your friends, family, or colleagues. Express yourself with free msn winks, animated emoticons (or animated smilies) and dynamic display pictures or share photos, files, searches, and more instantly. You can also chat with your contacts to and from a mobile device. Windows XP users can now use Dynamic Backgrounds and send Voice Clips and use free MSN winks
MSN Messenger 7 features include:
Video
Hear the laughter and see the smiles with Video Conversation from MSN Messenger 7. Full-screen video lets you see each other while audio/video synchronization gives you a True Conversation experience.
Voice
Quality audio lets you hear each other while you chat. Speak your mind instead of just typing and let your voice be heard! Talk in real-time and have True Conversations. Plus, send a Voice Clip through MSN Messenger 7.
Expressions
Share your msn emotions when the emoticons hit you. Get the conversation started with new animated emoticons (animated smileys) animated msn winks or shake things up with a nudge. Add emotions to your expressions with dynamic backgrounds and display pictures. Free msn winks are especially cool.
Sharing
They want what you've got, so don't keep it to yourself! Share emotions, special moments, everyday humor, photos, and files. And with shared searches, you'll always be on the same page. MSN Messenger 7 makes it easy.
Mobile
You can send SMS direct from MSN Messenger 7 to your friends' and family's mobile devices even if they're not MSN Messenger users. If you're offline, replies to your mobile messages will be stored for when you next log on. MSN Messenger 7 helps you connect with people on the go. You can show emotions too with animated emoticons and animated smileys.
Personalize
MSN Messenger has never been so personal! New features like Nudges and animated msn winks help you get someone's attention or emphasize your point. You can create custom backgrounds, show unique display photos and personal names along with a message like "working from home". Dynamic display pictures that will change emotions based on the emoticons (that includes animated emoticons) you send have been added. There's no harm in having a little fun showing emotion, is there? ;-)
Search
MSN Messenger includes MSN Search capabilities - directly from your conversation window! You can conduct a web search on any word without having to launch a separate Search window. If you select Shared Search, the results will be shared with both parties. You can even ask a direct question and the search query will provide the answer.
Extra resources
Visit the official MSN Messenger website at http://messenger.msn.com/
See details on the new Windows Live Messenger at http://ideas.live.com/
Try using MSN Web Messenger at http://webmessenger.msn.com. Don’t forget to show emotion with msn emoticons with emoticons msn web messenger.
Learn more about MSN Messenger 7 here |
