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]
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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...
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I have Messenger on my MAC and have not been able to use the telephone part. However, I also have SKYPE on my MAC and I really don't need messenger, but some friends wanted me to try it. If you have trouble with Messenger - don't worry just download SKYPE it works excellently and I use it all over German, America and Turkey so far. I have no problem at all and it is FREE to download too.
January 31 2008 at 3:11 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHey Bill? We Have Been With Microsoft Messenger For What? A Year And Wheres The webcam compability. I Think Theres More Chance Of Using A Mac Webcam That Comes WIth The Mac That Getting A XP Or Vista Desktop And Getting A Webcam Just To Use Windows Live Messenger!!!!!
January 07 2008 at 10:16 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI really wouldn't worry about another messenger for mac at all. It's the lack of video!!!!!
another mac expert (I'm not one hehehe) is on the following url
http://www.roumorscoffee@com
I'm waiting for a way to find a program With video, most of my family live in Denmark and all they use is msn. otherwise in the us I use ichat/aim which works well. yahoo also does not support/ interuse with msn, but otherwise yahoo works well with my mac.
Proprietary: stinks!!!
better discontinue this, if someone need a good Mesenger, don't trust M$
November 07 2007 at 1:13 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyhttp://allforces.com/?p=17&akst_action=share-this
iChat can, with a bit of work, chat to people on the MSN network through Jabber... and it can chat to people on Google Talk and AIM.
And on top of all that, you can chat to people on your local network without having to set anything up.... I don't see anything about any Microsoft IM application that would make me want to switch back.
I wish people would stop with the "and seriously-- why would you use a client like Messenger when you've got iChat and Adium anyway?". We don't have a choice. I'm the only person I know who uses a Mac, and no one that I know uses any other protocol.
I read the article, it seemed to be talking about windows live messenger when it came to the multiple protocols.
November 06 2007 at 8:51 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyAh, and also, if Apple put in MSN support for their iChat client, then we'd all be set. One app to do it all. Adium is great, but lacks a few features everyone else has, Microsoft Messenger for Mac is an embarrassment and needs to be dealt with, and iChat could use a wider array of support for other protocol.
November 06 2007 at 6:33 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI personally use Adium. It does my Google Talk and MSN handling for me and is nice and customizable. I don't like Messenger for Mac cause it doesn't support the basic features that WLM has (neither does Adium... but Adium is at least in development). Its about time MS made a decision on what to do with MMforM. Its bulky, has bugs, doesn't support the basic features people look for in MSN, and therefore just generally sucks. The only reason why I'm using it right now is cause Adium is having some issue with the MSN client and I can't use it. I'd like to see Adium pick up support for more basic features for video and audio chat soon as well. At least somethings being done now.
November 06 2007 at 6:30 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHot Apps on TUAW
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