In an email to MSN beta testers, Microsoft have announced plans to start testing SMS (short message service) messaging direct from their popular chat client.
SMS Messaging features were present in previous beta releases of MSN Messenger yet had a variety of restrictions placed on users. With the new beta, the requirement for a passport account to enter a contact has been dropped, and one can simply enter a name and mobile number. As well as this new functionality, a number of new mobile carriers have been added.
Microsoft is targeting the beta at users in the UK, and notes that whilst in beta stages, usage will be free. So far, no public launch date has been announced, or, more importantly, a future pricing system. Microsoft's attempts to "commercialise" elements of MSN Messenger (dynamic display pictures) have been criticised by users for being too expensive and restrictive.
View: MSN Messenger UK Home
SMS Messaging features were present in previous beta releases of MSN Messenger yet had a variety of restrictions placed on users. With the new beta, the requirement for a passport account to enter a contact has been dropped, and one can simply enter a name and mobile number. As well as this new functionality, a number of new mobile carriers have been added.
Microsoft is targeting the beta at users in the UK, and notes that whilst in beta stages, usage will be free. So far, no public launch date has been announced, or, more importantly, a future pricing system. Microsoft's attempts to "commercialise" elements of MSN Messenger (dynamic display pictures) have been criticised by users for being too expensive and restrictive.
View: MSN Messenger UK HomeMultiplicity, which is available stand alone, allows users to take two computers and put them together as a single computing platform with a single keyboard and mouse controlling both computers. A universal clipboard between the computers allows users to seamlessly copy text and graphics between the computers. A Pro version allows for additional computers to be added as well as allowing for file copying between computers using the clipboard.
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Now if they made users sign up to recieive messages from people on MSN, the feature would quite frankly fail with very few users.
and they must support as many as possible the operator.
and I hope it is not just temporary such as other IM which offering this only for short time and then disable it. such as Yahoo messenger, ICQ and others.
I hope it will last for long time.
We love sending SMS from IM, because it is easier to type. compared typing it from mobile phone.
w00t, go UK!
and they better to negotiate so they can send to International mobile number too.
and it is possible as other already do this.
I suggest Microsoft negotiating bulk SMS message, or better if they negotiating for unlimited send (so microsoft did not need to count or get problems later) and for long period.
Surely not?
But sms from mobile to mobile is only going to cost the person sending it here.
I suspect the operators will charge to recieve from MSN, like when you go abroard. However, usually recieving text messages are free. Usually around 10p a message, anything more and you're being ripped off (unless its a Picture Message).
Pay Monthly usually comes with free txt's a month.
I myself am on a special deal with O2. I top up a minimum of £10 a month and get 300 txt's for free. I have worked out now that i can slowly use those 300 over the month and then not even break into the £10 - but top up again and get another 300 free! Current Balence: £54.87
This could be a good way of **ssing people off
However, someone noticed whilst hacking around with 7.0.777 it had some buttons not yet active, heres a mockup:
http://mess.be/_pictures/screenshots/futuremobileconvo.gif
As you'll see, it will be MSN that will charge YOU for sending.
Microsoft will sell the credits instead of giving it for free.
Look at buy mobile message icon.
I think they better to give few message free for each days, and if user wants more they need to buy. instead of must buy it.
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