Microsoft Windows Live Messenger Review
Microsoft Windows Live Messenger Version 8.1 has made instant messaging a bit more fun. You can sketch in the message window in addition to typing regular text. Only other Live Messenger users will be able to see the sketches and other enhancements in this upgrade to msn messenger, sorry GAIM (now Pidgin) and Trillion users. With p2p file sharing, media snapins, sketching, and more, Windows Live Messenger is more than an IM. But what you also get are intrusive multimedia advertisements, a bulky non-intuitive interface, and a lack of chat window consolidation. So, what’s important to you? Fun addin knickknacks or an efficient communication application?
The main purpose for purchasing a car is to get you places. Microsoft doesn’t improve the car, fuel economy, or comfort, what they do is add a fancy stereo, video player, plush carpet, ultra dark window tint, a spoiler, curb feelers, underbody lights, undersized tires on aluminum rims, and a 6 inch tall 4 inch wide hood ornament. It started as a car, but Microsoft turned it into an inefficient abomination. Is this an analogy to Microsoft Windows Live messenger?
Georgia Tech student “Paul”, a hip member of the new iPod generation, wrote an interesting piece on Microsoft Windows Live messenger called “Why Microsoft’s Windows Live Messenger Won’t Succeed.” What makes his take on it so interesting is that Paul represents the exact audience that Microsoft is targeting for their Live Messenger, and Microsoft just doesn’t get them. The iPod succeeds because it is smart, not because it is loaded with useless frills.
When speaking with a Microsoft representative, Paul pointed out the negatives of MS Live Messenger:
1. It is Adware – users are forced to view animated multimedia advertisements while using the messenger software. There is no option to disable the advertisements.
2. Not an open protocol – Microsoft uses a proprietary and intentionally obfuscated communications protocol making it difficult for community developers to make compatible software that communicates with MS Live Messenger users.
3. No detailed API – meaning that the software is made so that community developers can’t freely make plugins for it, users only have the option of using plugins Microsoft offers.
4. Non-customizable UI – the user interface is rigid, big, and cannot be customized by the user, and has no tabbed message window capabilities.
5. Not cross platform- MS Live Messenger only runs on Microsoft Windows, there is no Mac version or support for other operating systems such as Linux.
Paul goes on to point out how Microsoft has tried to make the Live Messenger things that other software does much better, such as peer to peer file sharing and Voice over IP. The one size fits all software model has never served anyone well.
For the most part the Adware component of Windows Live Messenger bothers people the most. For all of the paying-out-the-rear loyal Windows users, now paying more to upgrade to Vista, couldn’t Microsoft just reward them with a free instant messenger software? Do they really think they have to earn a little pocket change (it really is pocket change to Microsoft) on obnoxious advertisements in their already oversized inefficient user interface?
Yes, for the children, the Microsoft Windows Live Messenger will be appealing and FUN! They can draw little pictures in their chat window and make each other laugh. The college crowd will probably give the corny software a pass, and stick with the more popular AOL “AIM” Instant Messenger. And finally, the business can certainly find something more professional and efficient for direct communication.
On a side note, the GAIM project has been renamed to Pidgin as a result of the April 2007 settlement with AOL. America Online sued the GAIM project over a dispute in that “AIM” which is trademarked by AOL appears in the name “GAIM” — yes folks, those three letters — in yet another asinine attempt by a major player in text communication to debunk compatible open source software.
Since neither AOL nor Microsoft can write a superior instant messaging client, losing users to 3rd party free OSS alternatives, they use dirty tricks like protocol manipulation and lawsuits to attack the small volunteer development community.