Microsoft axing MSN for Mac, new client soon?
updated 06:20 pm EST, Tue November 6, 2007
Possible new MSN client
A Microsoft employee yesterday unveiled plans for a messenger client for Mac OS X during a presentation at the Georgia Institute of Technology's IEEE Student Branch, according to one blogger. Microsoft will reportedly be killing off MSN Messenger for the Mac, and will replace it with a new as-of-yet unnamed client. This may not come as much of a surprise, since the Mac version of the instant message client has not seen any significant updates in recent months, and is missing many features from the Windows-based client – such as webcam functionality. [updated]
Although details were scarce in regards to the Mac client, the features are reported to be on-par with upcoming Windows Live Messenger v9.0, adding support for AIM, Google Talk, and ICQ handles. A release date has not been announced, but it may be ready for the Windows client's late 2008 - early 2009 release date.
Update: Microsoft has told us briefly that Messenger for the Mac is still "alive and kicking and is not being terminated", but MacNN is waiting for more details and a follow-up to this third-party report.
icq?
11/06, 06:34pm reply
oh goody i can't wait 'til i can use icq again.
JohnnyFive
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Joined: Feb 2003
Late 2008?
11/06, 06:41pm reply
Well, as long as the current version still works. Let's hope for a public beta release...
64stang06
Mac Elite
Joined: Aug 2007
ichat support?
11/06, 06:56pm reply
Oh, how I wish we could have support for MSN in iChat... Adware MSN client? No thanks! I'll just keep using Adium...
WiseWeasel
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Joined: Apr 1999
MSFT/Mac
11/06, 07:02pm reply
Knowing Microsoft, it'll probably be a Web 2.0 app, that uses active X. Oops.
sailin74
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Joined: Aug 2002
soooo
11/06, 07:07pm reply
So they are killing msn messanger, and releasing a new app to replace it. Soooo sounds like they are upgrading the app and trying to get maximum press out of it.
l008com
Professional Poster
Joined: Jan 2000
Typical Microsoft
11/06, 07:18pm reply
In typical Microsoft fashion, they announce a new product that will be wonderful... when they get around to releasing it a year from now. Anyone care to bet as to when it's actually going to appear?
nhmlco
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Joined: Mar 2007
If...
11/06, 08:02pm reply
a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it... I guess Macnn will report it.
Okonomiyaki
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Joined: Apr 2003
trillian
11/06, 08:08pm reply
for OS X is in alpha right now I think. That's my answer to the MSN Messenger for Mac non-story.
I've never tried Fire, which is no longer under development, but I'm downloading it now...
climacs
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Joined: Sep 2001
aMSN
11/06, 09:01pm reply
a sadly underlooked free client that supports a lot of features that the MS "Mac version" doesn't
Yes webcams people - do video chat with your benighted Windows Live Messenger wedded chums....
Unfortunately sound still is not working - but h*** if some lone coder can make a Mac "MSN/Live Messenger" client that works with cams why the h*** can't MS?
Draw your own conclusions
PS - I vote for Proteus, but obviously have to mention the great Adium and look forward to a real Mac Trillian... (but none of them do cams afik)
Serenak
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Joined: Jan 2007
Fire
11/06, 09:03pm reply
I loved Fire... but it is dead
the coders went over to Proteus or Adium
Adium is bigger and may "win" in the end - but I like Proteus and will use it until it is no longer available or supported.
Serenak
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Joined: Jan 2007