Microsoft Upgrades Instant Messenger
The service, which had been available in test form, will launch Tuesday.
Windows Live Messenger is an upgrade to MSN Messenger, the previous name for the software maker's tool for quickly communicating online. Such products have become incredibly popular for a wide variety of audiences, from teens to business people.
The basic service gives people a way to quickly type messages back and forth. Windows Live Messenger also offers other functions, such as video calling and ways to easily share files.
Competitors including market leader AOL also are increasingly adding such functions.
Windows Live Messenger is one of the first products to debut under Microsoft's new "Live" brand. The company is renaming some products and launching others under the "Live" brand as part of an overall push to offer more Web-based products. It faces intense competition in the field from companies including Google Inc. and Yahoo Inc.
MSN Messenger was the second-most popular instant messaging service, after AOL, for U.S. home and worker users, according to May data from Nielsen/NetRatings.