[MW Forums]

Microsoft has released the latest Mac version of its messaging software. Now called Microsoft Messenger for Mac 5.0, the application introduces new features—including tabbed browsing and the ability to access corporate and personal accounts at the same time—that primarily target users in corporate networks. more

[MacTechAspen]

I honestly had never heard of Microsoft Messenger. The article seems to assume that this is so well known they don't have to mention what it is.
OK, it was not that hard to figure out from the article that this is an instant messengering software, but it was not implicit.
I am just surprised a Mac publication would take it for granted that we know what a Microsoft application is, especially if it is part of the Windows enterprise world.
I run a dozen Mac only networks, have hundreds of clients, and have never heard of this program. I am not sure there is their any reason I should have, since instant messengering is built in, and most Mac users probably use iChat.
How many of you out there use this IM client on their stand alone Macs?

[cosmicrob]

So.. it's released but not available for download?
It's not even mentioned on Microsoft's site yet... and nothing on Version Tracker.

[jmincey]

The article speaks of Microsoft Messenger but I know only of an MSN Messenger -- and Microsoft's web site itself uses the latter term and not the former. Has the product been renamed for version 5?

[kurtrik]

Two things might be the reason why you haven't seen MSN Messenger. As you state, one might be because it's a primarily Microsoft/Windows/PC-based program. The other is perhaps just the prolific nature of (A)IM/iChat in the States.
My argument for the latter is that I'm from Canada, and everyone I know there, Mac or PC users alike, use MSN. On the other hand, having moved to New York, I've noticed that no one knows about MSN, and everyone uses (A)IM, even PC users.
So yes, I use this on my stand-alone Mac, but only to communicate with friends from Canada. In order to IM with American friends, it's all in iChat.
Interesting and bizarre, no?

[dbater]

Yes, I can see how one would get Microsoft Messenger and MSN Messenger mixed up! Please, my dog figured it out immediately after reading the article.

[Jim Dalrymple]

The product is called Microsoft Messenger for Mac 5.0

[MacTechAspen]

May I take it from your sarcastic reply that there are two Microsoft instant messaging applications? And by extension this one is the enterprise version, and there is a consumer stand alone version called MSN Messenger?
Now the article has me more confused than ever. Judging from some of the other posts, I may not be the only one that is not entirely sure what the article is talking about.

[cruxed]

Huh, does that mean its not an upgrade for MSN Messenger 4 for Mac?
Oh, and I still can't download it from the mactopia site.
Edit: Oh, and doesnt MSN stand for Microsoft Network?

[spimster]

so, "released" means a "press release"
in fact, there is NO mention "Microsoft Messenger X.X (any number) for Mac" on the given link, or when I click the Messenger or "Other Products" links
there is, however, a "MSN Messenger for Mac"
i think the confusion of some here is quite warranted

[webzone]

Microsoft Messenger for Mac is the new name for MSN Messenger. It can connect to both MSN and enterprise networks. It IS an upgrade to MSN Messenger.
(see http://www.microsoft.../mac/messenger/ )

[mappingman]

Ok. Cool. Now we have an idea of what it will look like. How/Where do we get it. There isn't any download links for version 5.
BTW, I can't believe all of these people out there that don't know what this is. I have been using MSN Messenger since the 1.0 days. Strange that you never heard of it. Esp[ecially since the release of the MSN internet service a few years back, which included the MSN Desktop software and the MSN Messenger.
mark

[jelockwood]

In reply to:

---

Microsoft Messenger for Mac is the new name for MSN Messenger. It can connect to both MSN and enterprise networks. It IS an upgrade to MSN Messenger.

---

It is as much an upgrade as putting lipstick on a pig.
They STILL have not added video/voice capabilities to allow conversing with MSN Messenger for Windows users. This is/was the number one requested feature. Text is soooo last century. No wonder Skype is kicking MSN Messenger's butt big time.
By the way, just to add further confusion, Windows Messenger while similar is not the same thing as MSN Messenger (for Windows).
PS. The reason MSN Messenger 5 is not [yet] on the main Microsoft Mactopia website is they are too embarrassed by such a useless upgrade.
PPS. This is an excellent opportunity for Apple to further rub Microsoft's nose in it. Picture this, Apple release Quicktime 7 for Windows, Apple then release iChat for Windows, like the Mac version of iChat it can use the H.264 codec to allow a four-way video conference in superb quality. Apple can make money off it by restricting it to working with the Apple iSight camera or other FireWire camera (e.g. Digital Camcorder), once someone has tasted it with a FireWire camcorder they would soon want to get an iSight instead. It would also of course work with Apple's iChat server.

[webzone]

I've been using MSN since years, too, but I think that the new name is mixing people.
And how can we get it? Well, it is supposed to appear on Mactopia today.