The new Instant Messenger ICQ

[Melbosa]

http://www.technewsworld.com/story/51753.html

Hmmmm... could that be the next step if Yahoo and M$ combine?

[Mr. Analog]

A further development to that story is that a Merrill Lynch report indicates that Microsoft should attempt a hostile takeover of Yahoo!

[Lazybones]

Microsoft has a new Windows Mobile version in testing as well, that contains many more features than the bare bones one they have now.

[Tonnica]

"Many users have several IM clients open at the same time to communicate with friends on different networks. By combining MSN and Yahoo contacts, it will be much more convenient to talk with friends on those networks, rather than on AIM or Google (Nasdaq: GOOG)  Talk," Takahashi told TechNewsWorld.

This is why I've been using Trillian for years (and GAIM for a short while 'til I got sick of it). I have to wonder what kind of potential issues users could face in the future. Like for example at home I link in my MSN profile and my Yahoo profile to the updated messenger program (MSOO Live? MYLM Vista? MSYM Turbo Fighting Edition II? Qwidgybo?). I then go to work. Will I still be able to use straight oldskool MSN Messenger with no annoying prompting ("upgrade to live d00d!") and my mailbox not being flooded because Yahoo has been added into my main messaging profile?

Just as long as they don't find an excuse to use more IM interface space for ads. Blech.

[Lazybones]

There isn't time to notice ads with all of the jumping/dancing avatars, custom backrounds, smilies and skined interface boarders

[Tonnica]

There isn't time to notice ads with all of the jumping/dancing avatars, custom backrounds, smilies and skined interface boarders

Ha! True enough!

Parents! Introduce your teens and pre-teens early to the dastardly world of micropayments with irritating Blue Mountain smileys!

[Thorin]

Imagine they can access any of the properties regardless of the IM platform

Holy cow, I think he just figured out why programmers are always calling for open standards...