Microsoft has launched the new beta version of its instant messaging application. Windows Live Messenger 8.0 has been built Microsoft's Live initiative and it features Window Live Call. Now you all must be wondering what Windows Live Call is. It is a new VoIP service which allows users of messengers to call each other for free. The Live Call service is being offered by Verizon and would be available in U.K., U.S.A, France, Germany and Spain. One can download it from http://ideas.live.com/. The messenger has a new look and feel. It can be easily personalized and has a toolbar which provides one click access to favorite services of customers. Some of the features that I found on tmcnet are:

--Windows Live Call with Verizon Web Calling service. With one click,
users can go directly to the Windows Live Call feature and, through the
Verizon Web Calling service, 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
localized languages and currencies for six new markets -- Austria,
Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands -- giving more
customers more ways to communicate with the people that matter most to
them.

-- Cordless phones designed exclusively for Windows Live Messenger.
Beginning today, customers will be able to purchase phones from
companies such as Uniden Corp. and Philips that make Windows Live Call
available through the handset, which can be used to make landline 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 the word wheel feature, 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 synchronized 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.


Surely Microsoft doesn't wants to be left behind and is trying to keep pace with Yahoo and Skype.