So hot on the heels of the Windows Mail beta invite, low and behold I received an invite to the Windows Messenger Live beta. I decided to install it for shits and giggles.

Messenger Live is the next version of MSN Messenger (aka Messenger 8). I guess Microsoft is abandoning the “MSN” word in the front and adding the “Live” philosiphy. Now many people complain that the MSN Messenger client is bloated, runs slow, and just plain sucks. I’ve been running it for probably about 7 years (I don’t know, whenever they first came out with it) and it’s the only IM client I use.So after using it for a few weeks, what do I think? Well it’s still bloated (if you run it, turn off the video ads…seriously what are you thinking Microsoft). But all in all, I still like it. They are putting more emphasis on their MSN Spaces webpages as you can now sort by last updated space.

I haven’t used the video conference side of it yet, but plan to sometime. I was impressed how easily 7.5 connects, so 8 should be no different. Version 8 allows you to keep phone numbers and information about your contacts so that you can text message them from MSN.

What is really awesome addtion is the ability to share folders. Back in the old ICQ days (does anybody still use it) you could just drag a folder into the transfer window and all the files in it would transfer easily. Finally Microsoft got off their lazy asses and added the ability to do this.

All in all I’m impressed. I have 4 invites to give away if anybody is interested to give it a whirl. Just add a comment, or fire off an email.

Later