Yahoo! Instant Messenger is the number one instant message application in the US with more than 97 million users worldwide. Some time ago, they released preview versions (see "Yahoo! Instant Messenger for Windows Vista MIX Update" and "Yahoo! Messenger for Windows Vista").
These preview versions have given the Yahoo! Messenger team valuable feedback provided by users .. and they've gotten busy!
With this beta release, Windows Vista users will be able to make voice calls via Yahoo! Messenger and send text or SMS messages to mobile phone users. Here are some key features in this beta version:
Voice Features
- Voice (PC2PC & Phone In/ Phone Out)
- Voice Visualizations (including WPF 3D integration)
- SMS
- Integrated text/voice window for easier navigation
- Keypad-only mode for quick, simple phone calls
Other Features and enhancements:
- New and Optimized for Vista
- WPF Interface
- Skin Chooser
- Customizable Contact List
- Tabbed Conversations
- Windows Sidebar Gadget
Full details on the beta release and screencasts can be found at the Yahoo! Messenger Blog and on the Yahoo! Instant Messenger site.
Channel 9 has an interview with the star of stage and screen (aka, Josh Jacobson, Yahoo! Messenger product manager), at: "New Yahoo! Messenger for Windows Vista"