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Follow UsBANGALORE: MSN 6, the latest version of the instant messenger from Microsoft, has 79
emoticons, improved web cam support and enhanced file-sharing capabilities. Also new to MSN Messenger in version 6 are integrated games to play with friends when you are online. If you have a web cam, you can now also send video to users with a web cam. Some previous glitches also have been corrected. File-sharing deals better with firewalls that had the tendency to block connections, says Microsoft. Another useful new feature - MSN messenger is often used as an informal means of communication by corporate users and such users can now save conversations with message logging.
MSN and Yahoo messenger are in close competition with each of them vying for the second place. As of January 2003, MSN had 20 million unique users and Yahoo! had 18 million. The leader in the market is AOL messenger with 62 million users.
The 'Emotional' War
New MSN emoticons
Animated Yahoo smileys
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MSN vs Yahoo - Feature by feature
Feature | MSN | Yahoo |
Looks | Does not allow skins. | Allows skins. |
Stability | Built for Windows and therefore, very stable. Messages are delivered to the receiver without delay. | The newer versions of yahoo have repaired the problem of undelivered messages. |
Security | The easiest to hack. Integrates itself with your windows address book, your contacts are also at some risk from viruses. | Relatively less vulnerable to hacking. |
Buzz feature | Not present | You can 'Buzz' (press Ctrl G) to wake up that 'lazy' friend who’s not responding to you quickly. Not a very useful feature but is used for fun. |
Invisible Mode | When you choose the 'Appear offline' mode, you cannot receive or send messages | You can continue to chat even when you are in 'invisible mode' and appear offline. |
Emoticons | If you are not happy with the 30 new smileys, you can create your own. | Offers an exhaustive collection of 'cute' smileys but does not allow you to create your own. |
Background | Version 6 now offers backgrounds. You can also create your own. | Offers 'IM environments' but does not allow you to create your own. |