Free downloads available of Windows Live Messenger beta

indows Live Messenger was previously available for beta testing by invitation only. The beta also makes PC-to-phone calling available in six additional markets.

"Windows Live Messenger is changing the way people communicate and stay in touch," said Martin Taylor, corporate vice president, Windows Live and MSN at Microsoft. "With powerful sharing, collaboration and communications tools designed to put the user firmly in control of their communications experience, Windows Live Messenger is a key part of the foundation of Windows Live.

he several million consumers already in the managed beta have been giving us great feedback, and we're excited to make the beta of Windows Live Messenger to users worldwide."

Jaspreet Bindra, country manager, MSN India, said, "Microsoft has designed its communication services to enable consumers to move seamlessly between services, thereby helping people connect in a more personalised, meaningful way. Windows Live Messenger Beta is another step towards delivering on our commitment to create the best communication services that enable the largest, most engaged network of consumers."

The public beta release of Windows Live Messenger is easy to personalise and features a tool bar that provides one-click access to customers' favourite services.

• Windows Live Call . With one click, users can go directly to the Windows Live Call feature, and place affordable, outbound local voice calls and domestic or international long-distance voice calls over the internet. Service is already offered to Messenger customers in five countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Spain. As of next week, this calling service will be available in localised languages and currencies for six new markets: Austria, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands.
• Cordless phones designed exclusively for Windows Live Messenger. Users will also be able to purchase phones that make Windows Live Call available through the handset. These handsets, from companies such as Uniden Corp. and Philips, can be used to make land-line and internet phone calls. Consumers can use their cordless phones from anywhere in the home, even while away from the PC.
  
• Windows Live Contacts. Contact information is always current with Windows Live Contacts in Windows Live Messenger; users choose which contacts they want updated automatically. Windows Live Contacts are integrated and accessible across Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Mail and MSN Spaces.
• Unified contacts. Customers now have the ability to see and search all their contacts with the unified contact list accessible through Windows Live Messenger. Users can have up to 600 contacts, and easily search using a "word wheel," which automatically sorts the contact list.
• Sharing Folders. By simply dragging and dropping their files and personal photos of any size to their Windows Live Messenger window, customers can share them with family, friends and colleagues.
• Offline instant message (IM). Customers can now send an IM to their offline contacts who will receive the IM the next time they log in.
• Video conversation. The free synchronised audio and video service in Windows Live Messenger, powered by Logitech International SA, allows customers to view and talk to their friends through their PCs in full-screen video with one push of a button using the webcams and broadband Internet connections.