December 19 - 9:10am EST   Casual users of Messenger for Mac should finally be able to engage in audio and video chats like their Windows counterparts, Microsoft has announced. Following the addition of AV chat for corporate users, Microsoft says it is now working on support for personal clients. Though the technology is currently associated with a beta of Windows Live Messenger, a matching beta of Messenger for Mac should see public release in 2009. A demo should be present at next month's Macworld conference. [full story]

June 27 - 7:10am EDT   Microsoft on Thursday took the wraps off Microsoft Messenger 7.0.1 for Mac. Designed to offer improved compatibility with Office Communications Server 2007 for OS X, Microsoft also integrated a number of bug fixes. Version 7.0.1 sees a resolution to user interface issues when using European languages and also improved support for the 'VoiceOver' feature. Messenger still offers users with a 'Windows Live' account the ability to chat with family, friends or co-workers, and share files across the internet. Compatibility with Apple's Bonjour technology was also implemented, allowing improved connections to other users on the same local-area-network. Messenger 7.0.1, a Universal ... [full story]

April 29 - 3:10pm EDT   Microsoft has released Messenger for Mac 7, the latest version of its ported instant messaging client. For all users the major addition is support for Apple's Bonjour technology, which lets users more quickly detect other users and peripherals on a network. It is now also possible to sort through contacts with a new search tool, and create nicknames for people that will remain unchanged even as their screen name is altered. [full story]

April 9 - 6:30pm EDT   Solo today unveiled a new designer bag made for 15-inch laptops called the Urban At Ease Laptop Messenger Bag, constructed from a durable matte canvas fabric, with an oiled leather trim and padded corduroy sleeve. The sleeve stretches to fit almost any 15.4-inch laptop, and features several interior, side, and rear organizers. The Urban At Ease Laptop Messenger Bag is currently available for $95, in either black or olive finish. [full story]

March 26 - 1:00am EDT   Yahoo today announced a new version of Yahoo Messenger for Mac that introduces a number of new audio and voice capabilities. Users can now place PC-to-PC calls, as well as Phone Out/In, with a full voice message and SMS service on the Mac. By creating a Phone In account, Yahoo will provide users with a telephone number that they can be reached at from a standard phone, starting at $2.50 per month, and is available in France, the UK and US. [full story]