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The new version is aimed at capitalising on the 'social networking' phenomenon by allowing users to share their online experiences and to establish a Microsoft bridgehead in the VoIP marketplace.

The new version supports 'shared folders' between users and the ability to share contact information, and subscribe to their friend's contacts details so they are constantly updated.

Microsoft says that the reason why Live Messenger is among the first of the applications to be launched is that it will provide the communications hub for a number of the other services. One of the big selling points is integration with the other Live services that will, hopefully, keep users within the Microsoft tent. Windows Live Messenger is integrated with other Windows Live services such as Windows Live Search, Windows Live Local, Windows Live Mail and MSN Spaces.

From within Live Messenger, users will be able to get answers to questions or find directions, access their blog or online

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photos, send e-mail to their Windows Live Contacts when desired, or access links to their favourite saved websites.

Martin Taylor, corporate VP of Windows Live and MSN explained, 'From directly within Windows Live Messenger, users can launch a shared Windows Live Search query so they can pick out a restaurant with the person they're talking with, or visit a blog on MSN Spaces to see what their friend has been up to, or browse to their favourite websites using Windows Live Favourites, or check their Windows Live Mail.'

Also included is Logitech's video calling software to allow full screen synchronised video and audio calls and, via the Windows Live Call feature and the Verizon Web Calling service, place outbound local voice calls to most places in the world. Microsoft has also announced a Live Messenger 'cordless phone' with Philips and the Microsoft LifeCams.

There is also the prospect, after many years, of Windows Live Messenger users being able to chat to Yahoo! 'Messenger with Voice' users although no date has been set yet.

Over the coming months Microsoft intends to increase the pace of the roll out of Live applications. Windows Live OneCare is currently available in the US and Windows Live Favourites is available in a number of countries including the UK. Next up will be Windows Live Custom Domains with Windows Lives Spaces, Friends-of-Friends Social Networking and Windows Live Expo all due this summer.

You can download Live Messenger at the Live website.