Live Messenger/Skype ... we're going backwards


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IMHO all messaging protocols should be done away with and replaced with Jabber.

That way we could have independence from IM companies, move freely, keep all contacts intact, etc etc...

Much like emailing you know...

I think the status quo in IMing is horrible.

Glassed Silver:mac

Do you want an unicorn with that ?

You perfectly know it'll never happen.

I've been a user of WLM for many years now and think it's a great IM client. Now Microsoft are phasing out WLM in favour of the Skype client - which doesn't support tabbed conversations and doesn't allow you to remove profile pictures from the chat screen. Anyone else think this move has sent us backwards?

Same thing is happening with the Operating Systems :laugh:

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IMHO all messaging protocols should be done away with and replaced with Jabber.

That way we could have independence from IM companies, move freely, keep all contacts intact, etc etc...

Much like emailing you know...

I think the status quo in IMing is horrible.

Glassed Silver:mac

Jabber uses the open-source XMPP protocol. They Microsoft added support for XMPP last year. :)

No unicorns, though.

Just wait until they make the switch and see if a new version comes out before saying they are going backwards. Its easy for them to make a new UI.

Agreed .. just commenting on what is available now .. seeing as MS are already promoting the Skype client to users. Think you download the Skype client by default when trying to install WLM.

Ive tried it and its no WLM or even MSN Messenger. Im keeping WLM until it doesn't work anymore, most people seem to be moving to Facebook, I really don't like that either. I may be getting set in my ways as I get older but I don't believe so.

Do you want an unicorn with that ?

You perfectly know it'll never happen.

Of course I do.

I was just mentioning what SHOULD happen. :happy:

Jabber uses the open-source XMPP protocol. They Microsoft added support for XMPP last year. :)

No unicorns, though.

That's not the same.

Abolish the protocols and have ONE protocol.

Way better approach.

Glassed Silver:mac

I don't think there's an patch for Skype as there is for WLM "A-Patch", or is there? http://www.msgplus.net/Features/For_Skype would be the thing for now, and maybe msgplus will make tabbed conversations in coming versions ;). The good old Windows Messenger works perfectly though, it will always do :) !

March 15th is when Messenger is killed off. Got an email from MS telling me to upgrade.

You mean the server's ain't responding to any messengertrafic anomore at that date or that they will stop making builds?

You think Skype is a step backwards O.o

Have you worked with the WLM protocol.

It's a triple cunted hooker (and not in the good way).

Skype is an enormous step forward in pretty much every regard. Just needs some work done on the client.

Sorry have you got knowledge of the skype protocol?

Last time I read about it, it transferred loads of data in the background when doing absolutely nothing which was suspicious, and it's pretty well encrypted and wasn't reversed engineered.

On the other hand, the protocol used by MSN 7.x was very simple and easy to use.

Shame that his has happened, as a few people had said, they should have integrated it the other way, moving Skype into WLM since it is a far better interface! - Poor WLM :( As for sharing desktops and paying, ditch that idea and use teamviewer :)

Just got the email from MS saying to upgrade to Skype and sign in with my MS account bla bla bla

I thought I may as well so downloaded Skype via their email link, installed it, tried to Sign in with my MS account and it fails with "Oops something went wrong"

Click MS account to sign in with MS account, so I click it, and try again, same problem

Bravo MS

I am in favour for this topic. We are definitely going back with use of live messenger or skype. Though microsoft has build up many new applications which can be overcome but some people are so much familier with these apps that they don't want to try something innovative and make a drastic change in using their apps.

Skype doesn't do tabbed chat...

you are then on a very old skype... if you get skype 6, it's only 1 window, with every user in a tab.

What i hate most of skype, except the GUI, is that doesn't have groups... to divide colleagues, excolleagues, friends, etc.

  • 2 weeks later...

Sorry have you got knowledge of the skype protocol?

Last time I read about it, it transferred loads of data in the background when doing absolutely nothing which was suspicious, and it's pretty well encrypted and wasn't reversed engineered.

On the other hand, the protocol used by MSN 7.x was very simple and easy to use.

While most folks think of Skype as a straight audio/video service, it's *always* supported text/SMS - well before Microsoft's acquisition. (In fact, the same has been true of MOST "Internet telephony" applications - free and otherwise; that is precisely why they gave telcos heartburn.)

Before I got the news that WLM was going to be replaced by Skype, I had already begun using Skype as a Facebook Messenger/Chat alternative - for text, not audio OR video, yet! (Skype can even replace TeamSpeak in gaming - especially in games that don't support it, such as browser-based RPGs; a group of us coordinated - in real time, via voice, video, and text - a *series* of raids on an opposing team - and entirely via Skype. This is very easily doable - and today.)

I can very much see *why* WLM would give way to Skype, simply because Skype has a crapton of untapped potential just by using what Skype already has, as opposed to something that would have to be replicated by WLM, or any other messaging/chat service. In fact, I can see Skype replacing Yahoo Messenger - for the same reason.

Well I've been a long time MSN/Live Messenger user and I like Skype way more.

Well for the longest time running Live Messenger was a waste of time since one by one my contacts stopped using it till I had none left.

They all moved to Facebook like everyone else.

So for quite some time I never really talked to anyone since I'm not much into spending time on the Facebook site.

But gave Skype a try when I heard it has Facebook integration, and it works awesome.

So yeah, good riddance to Live Messenger, obsolete.

you are then on a very old skype... if you get skype 6, it's only 1 window, with every user in a tab.

What i hate most of skype, except the GUI, is that doesn't have groups... to divide colleagues, excolleagues, friends, etc.

Funny, i can do groups just fine, but can't figure out how to get conversations in one window.

I'm using the compact mode though, and i have disabled the "New window for each chat option".

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