messenger
Latest
Crapgadget: USB back massager, limbo string and more obviously terrible ideas
Remember those battery-operated vibrating ladybugs that people used to pass around (multiple times) as office gifts? Yeah, that critter ain't got nothing on this stable of patently awful gizmos. We've seen a remarkable amount of garbage pass under our noses in the past few weeks, and we've rounded up the worst of the worst for your consideration. So, is a USB shell speaker really more embarrassing than a V-Sports console for folks tired of searching for a Wii? Is the i-Knock personal IM notifier more unnecessary than the Encore Rockin' Music Lamp? Or does the OMG-inducing Limbo String walk away with the gold here? We know, each and every item is a festering turd in one way or another, but which of the ones below just exemplify the word "crap?" Choose carefully.Read - USB shell speakerRead - USB back massagerRead - V-Sports consoleRead - i-Knock IM doohickeyRead - Encore Rockin' Music LampRead - Limbo String %Poll-17998%
Microsoft Messenger for Mac 7
The kind folks at the Mac BU dropped me a note announcing Messenger for Mac 7's availability. The big ticket item is full Audio/Visual conferencing support between Messenger on the Mac and on the PC. Sadly, this is only available for corporate accounts, so if you have a personal account you'll need to wait a little longer for that feature. Personal users, though, aren't entirely left out in the cold. You can now assign nicknames to contacts, search your contacts, and chat with people on your Bonjour network.I use Messenger for corporate IM everyday, so I was excited to get by hands on this new version. Sadly, I can't seem to be able to log into my account using Messenger for Mac 7, so I'll have to take Microsoft's word on the new features.Update: Oops, Messenger 7 does work for my corporate account because it requires Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 (my workplace is still running 2005). Ah well, the neato new features will be mine soon enough.
Update: Windows Live Mobile only a pay service on Nokia Series 60
We posted a piece about users who were seeing a message on their Windows Mobile devices stating that their 30 day trial was starting when using Windows Live Mobile Messenger. As it turns out, there is a new pay service rolling out, but only for users of the software on the Nokia S60 platform in the UK and Sweden. A Microsoft spokesperson admitted that while the idea of charging on the Windows Mobile platform is being considered, there are no solid plans yet -- can I get a collective, phew?. The glitch is being addressed so you needn't worry about getting dinged for your mobile messaging addiction, just yet.
Microsoft on Messenger for the Mac: it ain't dead!
Our good friends in Redmond dropped us a note concerning Messenger for the Mac's future (based on this post). The Mac BU wants all Mac users to rest assured that Messenger for the Mac 6.0 will be included with Microsoft Office 2008 for the Mac. Not only is Messenger for the Mac 6.0 alive and well, the Mac BU's crack team of coders are hard at work on Messenger for Mac 7.0 which will have long awaited audio/video capabilities (and which is soon to be released into the hands of some lucky enterprise beta participants, mostly to test out the Office Communication Server 2007 integration).This is welcome news to me because I use Messenger for the Mac everyday at my day job. I couldn't do my work without it (and who wants to run a VM for an IM client? Not this guy).
Microsoft done with current Messenger for Mac client, whole new app due next year
Microsoft is calling it quits on MSN Messenger for Mac, instead choosing to go with an all-new IM client that will work with both AIM/gTalk/ICQ users and folks still on the Messenger network. The Mac version of Messenger was plagued with bugs (and Scott's gripes), and seriously-- why would you use a client like Messenger when you've got iChat and Adium anyway? It's good news that they're planning a new client, and extra good news that it's supposed to work with other protocols.So no more updates for Messenger on the Mac, but the new client is supposed to be "really, really cool and awesome." Sounds like just what the kids like these days. We'll believe it, of course, when we see it. Messenger 9 for Windows ships next year, so if this new Mac app gets delivered, it'll probably be sometime around then.Update: A few readers said the post was confusing regarded Microsoft's plans for Messenger on the Mac, so updated for clarity.Update II: Microsoft has responded, and the rumors of Messenger's demise were exaggerated-- Messenger 6.0 will be included with Office 2008, and Messenger 7.0 will have audio/video capabilities included, and will be beta testing soon. Makes us wonder what Liveside really heard Jenks say, but if you're a Messenger user like our own Scott McNulty, you'll be pretty happy to hear it's not going anywhere.[via MacBytes]
Microsoft rolls out Windows Live services for Nokia S60 devices
Wait, what? File this one at the very top of the "strange bedfellows" category: Nokia and Microsoft have stopped scrapping for smartphone supremacy long enough to bring a full suite Windows Live services to a number of Nokia's S60 devices -- devices, may we add, that do direct battle with Windows Mobile hardware. Specifically, Hotmail, Messenger, Contacts, and Spaces are all available immediately as downloads for N73, N76, N80 Internet Edition, N93i, and N95 in select European and Middle Eastern countries (no US love for the time being); Microsoft's saying that the services are free for now, but users may be looking at a subscription fee down the road. To be fair, this isn't the first time Microsoft has extended a Windows Live olive branch to Espoo, but it's the first time the partnership has been this broad. It's gonna get even broader, too; look for Windows Live to find its way into Nokia's Series 40 platform some time next year.
TwoStick system offers quicker on-screen text entry
With web browsers and text messaging becoming a bigger part of the "console experience," some sort of method for quick text input is definitely a must. Sure, you can plug in a USB keyboard or a thumbboard controller attachment to enter text faster, but who wants to keep track of yet another peripheral? All we want is a quick way to enter text using our standard dual-stick controllers.Enter the appropriately named TwoStick text entry system, which speeds up text entry using a 9 x 9 Sudoku-style grid of letters and symbols. The left stick highlights the desired 3 x 3 sub-section while a quick flick of the right stick enters the appropriate letter within the section. This means that every letter is only two flicks of the thumbs away, rather than a potentially slow trek across the entire screen.After roughly 20 practice sessions, users were an average of about two words per minute faster with TwoStick than standard on-screen QWERTY controller input. That might not seem like much, but remember that every second you save sending that Halo 2 match request is another second you could actually be playing Halo 2. Check out a video of the system in action after the break.
Chatpad seen in Chicago at GSB Road Tour stop
Charles Huseman over at Gaming Nexus attended GamerscoreBlog's Road Tour event in Chicago, and got some hands-on time with the Chatpad, although not the retail version that'll hit shelves this summer. Charles said the Chatpad doesn't get in the way at all or messes up the weight balance of the controller. He also noted that the buttons are backlit for those who may be texting in the dark, with minimal impact on the wireless controller's battery life. Still no word on pricing or when we'll be getting it this summer. The special headset packed with the Chatpad has yet to be seen. Either way, exactly 1/3 of X3F staff (We bet you can't guess who) is all about the IMing whilst gaming, to the point of having a USB keyboard handy to make use of the overlay window for quick conversations. Have any of you slowly warmed up to the idea of IMing while you game? Or would an accessory like this be necessary for you to make the jump?
Xbox 360 Spring Update coming tomorrow
Xbox 360 gamers, prepare to have your mind blown (until a few minutes later when you don't notice it anymore): The spring 360 update drops tomorrow. Are you prepared to be reminded that Messenger actually exists? Are you ready to know what Achievement you got without having to press that big button? Are you ready to know what game is in your console without actually having to open it, you lazy bastard? Well, you better be, because it's the most exciting stuff in the update.Well, there is the enticing, yet puzzling boast that "Video trick modes (fast forward, rewind, chapter skip) can now be used while downloading Video Marketplace content." (Woah! Awesome trick! You're fast-forwarding!) Oh, and the new H.264 video support (drool!). Crap, we nearly forgot that you can set your 360 to turn off after downloading content to help save energy. Take that, you sanctimonious home folders! The 360 is a tree hugger. The hacky sack circle begins at 5am EST tomorrow.
Video walkthrough of Xbox 360 Spring Dashboard update
You know how it goes: pictures are fabulous, but videos are probably the next best thing to handling it yourself. In this case, a video walkthrough is about as close as you're going to get to May 7th whilst still chillin' in April, and considering you already know just about everything you can ever desire about the impending update and QWERTY thumboard, why not relearn it all again care of an "official" on-screen walkthrough? You know you can't resist, so be sure to hit the read link and pull up a chair, because you're going to get tired of standing after 25 or so minutes.[Thanks, Buck]
G-Tech kicks out Bluetooth-enabled iPod backpack
Similar to another company we're familiar with, G-Tech has hit it big by slapping iPod-compatibility onto an otherwise drab offering, and now the company has upped the ante by tossing in Bluetooth. Unveiled at CES, the self-proclaimed Next-Generation Messenger Bags with Bluetooth feature the same Eleksen ElekTex smart fabric controls right on the strap, but these controls now control the track / volume functions of your dock-connecting iPod as well as the volume / mute of your phone. The Bluetooth functionality simply allows users to easily mute their iPod to take an incoming call, and the built-in speaker can also pump out the jams (rather meekly, we assume) with any audio device that connects via a 3.5-millimeter cable. There's no word on price or availability, but if you're really dead set on owning an iPod-controlling pack, might we suggest one that doesn't look like an early '90s experiment gone awry?[Via Textually]
Microsoft and Sega create new deal to promote Sonic Rivals
Sega will be running a pricey viral ad campaign through Microsoft's Windows Live Messenger to promote its upcoming games: Sonic Rivals on the PSP and Sonic the Hedgehog on Xbox 360. One may notice that the PLAYSTATION 3 version of Sonic the Hedgehog is not mentioned. Just like Sonic and Silver pictured above, Sony and Microsoft are fierce rivals, and it appears that Microsoft wants no part in promoting Sony's next-gen platform. Of course, without a handheld gaming device from the Xbox folks (for now), it seems Redmond's empire is willing to litter your IM-ing experience with ads for the PSP Sonic.Expect a full review of Sonic Rivals and a giveaway soon.[Via Brand Republic]
Take Windows out of Messenger 6
At the risk of appearing to be fixated with Messenger for Mac (what can I say - despite its quirks, I like it), I'll point to a neat tip at Mac OSX Hints that allows you to throw out that pesky Windows Live logo Microsoft has foisted upon us with its latest IM client update.The solution is pretty simply and amounts to nothing more than renaming an image - but that leaves you with a blank block in the client. So some posters have come up with more interesting solutions that let you personalize the application window.What are you going to put there, may I suggest the TUAW logo? Hit the comments and show us your ideas.[Via Digg]
Messenger for Mac sign-in problems
Looks like Microsoft's recent upgrading of Messenger for Mac to version 6 didn't go down as smoothly as they would have liked. Microsoft's own Messenger newsgroup is just one of the places buzzing with people having problems logging in. I found this out while struggling through this jungle of versions myself. Going from 5.1.1 to 6.0.0 locked me out of the service, with only a typically vague error message to guide me. To make matters worse, I was able to log in to the fancy new Windows Live Messenger on PC. Trashing my preferences and going back to previous versions did nothing, and Google wasn't much more helpful. That was around the time I stumbled on to the newsgroup. In the end, my solution was simple enough - I changed my admittedly weak Passport password to something a little more robust and, voila, I was in. Are any of you having similar problems? Let me know in the comments if so and what workarounds you've found.
Man runs MSN app on his DS
Here we see a fine young gentleman running Beup, an MSN Messenger program, on his DS. According to Rob, the keyboard works about 99% of the time and the program has tabs at the bottom for chatting with multiple users and managing your buddy list. The program sometimes crashes at random, but it's clearly a small price to pay for such a nifty program.A direct link to the zip file containing the program may be found here.[Thanks Rob!]
Xfire joins MTV family [UPDATE 1]
Combining instant messaging with games seems to be a magic formula for Xfire. The popularity of the program hasn't gone unnoticed, and today Viacom -- which operates the MTV brand -- announced the acquisition of Xfire, Inc for $102m. Not bad for a company with a free product and "no desire" to advertise. Xfire joins Viacom's other gaming assets Neopets and GameTrailers, both of which continue the "gaming community" theme, which means we can guess at MTV's plans for the future. They want gamers, whole communities of 'em, to extend their reach to those disaffected generations who shun the TV for games. Either that, or they've a nefarious plan that involves an evil robot gamer clone army -- you decide.[Update 1 - fixed typo, thanks SeNiLe]
Yahoo!, RIM partner on Blackberry content
RIM and Yahoo! have taken CTIA as occasion to formally announce their courtship, which will result in tighter integration of popular Yahoo! features such as email, IM, and search into the Blackberry operating system. Perhaps the biggest benefit to users from this partnership will be the ability to push Yahoo! email messages onto Blackberry devices, while maintaining a sync with the online mailbox, and delivering them to an interface that is already familiar. Furthermore, Messenger will receive enhanced features like emoticons, Yahoo! calendar and address book data is promised to be more accessible, and the Blackberry launcher will sport a button for opening the browser to a certain non-Google search engine. After the rollout of these initial services, Yahoo! and RIM will introduce a version of Yahoo! Go for Mobile, which will bring even more juicy search and information features to our favorite 'Berry (no offense, Chuck).
Xfire reaches three million users
Xfire is a free gaming application that seems to do everything--keep track of your friends, send messages to other players that pop up in-game, log how many hours you spend gaming, download patches and more. It's useful for boasting about your PC gaming prowess to others, although it's unfortunately not psychic and therefore can't track time spent on other platforms.We featured it in our list of essential applications for gamers, and it's just managed to top three million users worldwide, so quite a few people must agree with us. Viral applications like this just go to show how important other people are to us as gamers--keeping tabs on others, and tracking our own stats (even if they are only in the form of hours spent playing World of Warcraft) are very popular pursuits indeed.
