Microsoft Updates Messenger for Windows XP
By: Arie Slob
Microsoft last week announced an update of Windows Messenger, to be available October 25. So the version of Windows Messenger shipping with Windows XP isn't the latest version. The new Windows Messenger includes numerous design enhancements and enables consumers to use their PCs to make voice calls to telephones virtually anywhere in the world via a choice of participating providers within local regulations.
"The new Windows Messenger is an easy way for people to communicate with friends, family and co-workers anywhere," said John Frederiksen, general manager of Windows at Microsoft.
Depending on their location, Windows XP users will have the option of choosing amongst different IP telephony service providers to complete their PC-to-phone calls. Callserve Corp., deltathree Inc., Dialpad Communications Inc., Net2Phone and TELUS Corp., Canada's second-largest telecommunications company, will offer high-quality phone calls within their own service areas and to other locations in the world. Further, these companies will maintain the account relationship with their respective end-user customers while enabling users to track their current call account balances all from within Messenger.
The new PC-to-phone calling options, along with other enhancements, are included in a downloadable update to the Windows Messenger feature within Windows XP. In addition, an update to the MSN® Messenger client software will enable the new PC-to-phone support for users of previous versions of Windows. Consumers will be invited to download the update - which is less than 1 MB for users of Windows XP - from the Web when they use their Windows or MSN Messenger client software on or after the October 25 launch of the new Windows XP operating system. The update will enable users of Windows XP with Windows Messenger to make PC-to-PC voice calls to the more than 42 million MSN Messenger users as well as to other users of Windows Messenger.
Microsoft is also working with additional PC-to-phone service providers in the United States and worldwide to increase the choice of providers available to consumers.
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