Auerbach recalls that the cat and mouse game was vital because, after all, AIM had 40 million users. And Microsoft wanted them. Basically, they used their own security flaw to fool MSN's client, which, according to software analyst Geoff Chapell , is a genius yet controversial move.
In fact, at first, AOL called Microsoft a cheat for hacking them. But then, once AOL used the flaw against its competitor, Microsoft said that the move was a bit outside the realm of fair play. Oh, the tech world and how it resembles a playground fight.
So, this was the beginning for MSN Messenger: turbulent, truculent, but the first steps towards greatness. Messenger's first ever version was basic: it had only text and a contact list. But through improvements and the launch of another icon, Windows XP, Messenger really took off. Besides aesthetic changes, the new operating system brought along improvements for Messenger like voice conversations and contact grouping.
The following versions included an integrated Windows Media Player, file transfers, and more emoticons. To the younger audience, you might not understand how essential emoticons were back then. We had nothing but text, so a little smiley face went a long way.
And then, they included Webcam conversations. Back then, Messenger was giving us what we consider fundamental right now. It was setting trends, even some of them were annoying, like the nudge, born in and perforated eardrums until its demise. With all these tools, MSN was carving its own path in the world of messaging.
So much was its success that by December 13, , Microsoft announced that it had reached an astounding million users every month. The webcam calls had been a hit, with 2. You could play games like minesweeper and tic-tac-toe with your friends. Messenger was so advanced that, with version 7.
How we communicate today was due, mainly in part, to MSN and instant messaging. Messenger had millions of users, had innovative features, and was, in all honesty, addicting.
In , many Messenger users had intermittent connections, and their buddy lists disappeared. Suddenly, all your friends were gone. Estimates were that one-third of all Messenger users had some sort of problem. Then, Microsoft Passport, the key to access many services, started failing, and users couldn't log in to Hotmail and Messenger. Then came the chatrooms. Along with its competitors, Microsoft had created these chat rooms that were virtual meeting rooms where strangers could talk to one another.
That's right, as more people logged into Messenger and these chatrooms, also came the predators. The risk increased so much that, in , Microsoft took actions and shut down all their chat rooms. Minors would now chat only through Messenger instant messaging. Parents and organizations celebrated the move and, no longer having chat rooms available, more people took to Messenger.
Newer security measures weren't the only improvements Microsoft implemented. But, there's a phrase that we can use in this situation: if it's not broken, then don't fix it.
MSN Messenger existed from to about mid, in versions 1. Then it fell victim to Microsoft's search for a new identity under the brand Windows Live. Version 8 some aesthetic and functionality changes, including offline messaging, new colors, and even parental controls. At first, many users disliked the new Messenger as it didn't evoke the past feelings. It was a good platform, but users didn't take kindly to the excessive bugs and software issues. Also, there were compatibility problems, especially with Windows or earlier.
But, for every bad, there's a good, I guess. In , Microsoft announced that it would join forces with none other than Yahoo of all companies. With this alliance, both messaging services now could integrate users, giving them a massive advantage over AOL. With every new version that came along, users began to take kindly to Windows Live Messenger.
Sure, it frequently crashed, and advertising was visually annoying, but those who criticized it eventually liked it. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. The software maker originally announced its plans to shift users over to Skype last year, but Microsoft kept the service running in China. After October 31st Chinese Messenger users will need to use Skype , bringing an end to 15 years of the service.
Over the years Microsoft added various features, including custom emoticons, the ability to play Minesweeper with friends, a nudge feature that would shake a friends chat window, and the super annoying winks option to send friends giant animated emoticons.
Microsoft has typically celebrated its MSN Messenger milestones with big green mascot outfits , but the year mark and the end of the Messenger era is departing quietly. Farewell, MSN Messenger. Messenger nudge GIF image credit: Techtree. For stability it is advised to use version 4. General opinion says that version 7. For Windows Vista most stable version is 8.
For Windows 7 version Windows 95 and Windows NT4 are not supported in versions after 5. Cons: Uses a lot of PC resources latest versions , installation file is big, has become bloated over the years. So why not downgrade to the version you love? When you upload software to oldversion. For every field that is filled out correctly, points will be rewarded, some fields are optional but the more you provide the more you will get rewarded!
So why not upload a peice software today, share with others and get rewarded! Welcome Guest, Login Register. MSN Messenger 5,, Downloads.
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