Sofia Newsroom | Your Right To Know More

Microsoft Corp today announced the release of Windows Live Messenger, one of the first of more than 20 new Windows Live services that will be launched globally over the course of the year in over 60 markets, including 12 in Asia.

"Windows Live Messenger goes beyond a traditional Instant Messaging (IM) service, enabling people to connect and share, with video calling, easy sharing folders and more", Microsoft said in a statement here.

"Windows Live is all about giving consumers the tools and services they need to be in control as they stay connected to the people they care about, on top of the information that is important to them, and protected across all of their online activities," said Alex Stewart, Microsoft's Asia Pacific Director for the Windows Live and MSN business.

"The launch of Windows Live Messenger is an important milestone for the business as we work towards realising the Windows Live vision.This vision is based around putting people at the centre of their digital life and creating a seamless experience across their PC, devices, applications and the web", he said.

Windows Live Messenger, the company said, is the next generation of IM service MSN Messenger and it goes beyond text IM to help connect people with voice, video and more. It also acts as a window to the internet, connecting people to their e-mail, blog, search and other Windows Live services with one click of the mouse, it said.

Windows Live Messenger Features include, "video call", "Microsoft LifeCams optimised for Windows Live Messenger", "sharing folders", "Windows Live Contracts", and "integration with Windows Live services", it was stated.