MSN Explorer 8.0

[powerdafuture]

This is the official MSN 8 thread.

All MSN pictures, features, and all the juicy details can be posted here. I will get a few images and leak them here too. :) I personally DONT HAVE MSN 8, so Don't ASK ME FOR IT. I have friends that have it.

POST AWAY!

[powerdafuture]

The feature that I love is that Calander....that's very nice..I love it!

[pjbeta]

Is there a public beta of this out yet? I really want to try it.

[powerdafuture]

Originally posted by PamelaJ

Is there a public beta of this out yet? I really want to try it.

Nope, not yet....Soon the final will be out. a month away.....:)

[Ethere]

Originally posted by Trade Wind

Some 40% of Earthlink's new subscribers are coming from AOL. 50% of MSN's new subscribers are coming from AOL.

It will come down to (if someone wants to leave AOL), which route is easiest for me (MSN), and which service gives me more bang for the buck (MSN).

It all depends on how you look at it. Seeing as I work for Earthlink, I know a little about what we're getting. The majority of the users we get, like you said, are from people tired of AOL, but explain to me why you think MSN is better? Because of their software?

What will be more interesting in my view is how many BYOA subscribers MSN racks up. I think MSN has chosen wisely by not charging over $10/mo for the service. I hope that is economically viable for MSN. I don't think they would subsidize the cost of developing all the associated products...then again, if you take a look at the cost of the various MSN services in an individual basis it ads up!

And also, are you saying MSN has a BYOA plan as well?

[shockz]

Originally posted by Riggs

And also, are you saying MSN has a BYOA plan as well?

Yep. When MSN 8.0 comes out, they will.

And an answer to your earlier question... I think MSN 8.0 is good because of the software. I have "connections" and have tried it out personally. Its fast, sleek, good looking, and stable (for the most part - the rest will be fixed when the beta is complete - it probably has been already. I have Beta 1, and Beta 2 came out a couple days ago :))

[Ethere]

Have you seen or tried Total Access 2003? You'd actually have to be an Earthlink Member of course to use it, but just curious.

It's not as fancy, and exciting, but, I think it's sleek personally. We use our own mail program, something similar to Outlook Express, but we use the software that's on your computer already...Internet Explorer for browsing. We feel that there isn't a need to put a completely new piece of software out there on your computer and make you confined to it. In other words, you have the flexibility to use any e-mail/browser app you choose. Just a thought.

Oh, and hell ya. I use the AOL BYOA plan, but now that MSN has it, I'm going to switch. I only use AOL to try out their software anyway. :)

[shockz]

Originally posted by Riggs

Have you seen or tried Total Access 2003? You'd actually have to be an Earthlink Member of course to use it, but just curious.

Nope. But from what you said about it... it sounds pretty good. :)

[Ethere]

I'll post some screenshots in the morning while I'm at work.

[shockz]

Cool. :)

[powerdafuture]

I have had a bad experience with Earthlink, there membership is to high....and their service wasn't to great....and those sleezy offers for a digital camera if you sign up....those cameras suck...it's not worth it. :right:

[powerdafuture]

When is AOL supposed to be released?

[Ethere]

Originally posted by powerdafuture

I have had a bad experience with Earthlink, there membership is to high....and their service wasn't to great....and those sleezy offers for a digital camera if you sign up....those cameras suck...it's not worth it. :right:

What do you expect for free? A 5.1 megapixel camera? Please! Yes, the cameras were not the best in the world. But, I think now we're giving away DVD players. Something in that aspect.

I'm also beta testing the AOL 8. It's not that much different than 7, has a few unnecessary features....nothing special.

[powerdafuture]

Originally posted by Riggs

What do you expect for free? A 5.1 megapixel camera? Please! Yes, the cameras were not the best in the world. But, I think now we're giving away DVD players. Something in that aspect.

I'm also beta testing the AOL 8. It's not that much different than 7, has a few unnecessary features....nothing special.

AOL 8 Beta is wack. I don't think they spent as much time as Microsoft did on MSN 8. AOL has way to many builds....I have tested it for about a month now....and I've downloaded like 5 builds or more. I don't like that. I say do like MSN....Beta 1, Beta 2....and then comes Final...MSN also releases like daily builds, but you can update in seconds with Auto Update. So I mean....AOL needs to think about that. and MSN needs to think about allowing more to beta test....like ME!

[Paulstorm]

Originally posted by Riggs

It all depends on how you look at it. Seeing as I work for Earthlink, I know a little about what we're getting. The majority of the users we get, like you said, are from people tired of AOL, but explain to me why you think MSN is better? Because of their software?

Yes, the software is a huge factor...and it makes the transition from AOL very smooth. What MSN really needs to work on is get the access service & support up to snuff. They are getting there slowly.

MSN's position within Microsoft gives it several advantages over competitors. Forget the software for a moment...but think about setting up home networks. A lot of homes have more than one computer. Not everyone is as well-versed with setting up home networks. MSN provides free support of home-networking if they use Microsoft's new Home Networking kits & products. Earthlink charges $9.95/mo if I recollect right.

Earthlink is a great service...don't get me wrong. I know quite a few people who chose it over MSN precisely because they didn't want the hand-holding and extra "software". To each their own...but I do think that the MSN software of the future will aid users get more done rather than hinder them from doing what they want to.

And also, are you saying MSN has a BYOA plan as well?

Yes, $9.95/mo starting October 24th. http://join.msn.com then.

[Paulstorm]

I only have one friend working @ AOL...and he confirmed what I read in the paper a week or so ago that work has already begun in earnest on AOL 9. They recognize that the battle is on, and AOL is going to have to push the envelope if they want to keep their subscribers.

Related...MSN 9 work has begun as well. They are spec'ing features out for the most part, but have begun some additional hirings.

[brn2prgrm]

Well below is a view of the MSN 8 pricing scale and overall it seems pretty well balanced and competitive. Using the latest version of MSN 8 (Beta 2) and getting to notice all the minor, yet useful tools makes me serious considering purchasing this once it goes final. The best part is the Dashboard which now integrates with WMP nicely, something that AOL cannot do.

[powerdafuture]

Micheal, I think those prices are really good, and I would definately get MSN Services, say if I had a different ISP. That is a good deal. I also like the new graphics with MSN 8. I have seen the new MSN Games with Zone.com and it has a nice blue color, i love that color.

[Compkid2005]

I have a question regarding their Bring Your Own Access plan. With MSN Internet Access, you can have 8 other users besides the master account. Can you also do this with their BYOA or is it like $10 per account?

[brn2prgrm]

Originally posted by Compkid2005

I have a question regarding their Bring Your Own Access plan. With MSN Internet Access, you can have 8 other users besides the master account. Can you also do this with their BYOA or is it like $10 per account?

The $9.95/month BYOA plan allows you to have a total of 8 additional accounts and the master account. This is standard among all of the billing plans.

[Compkid2005]

Great, thanks brn2prgrm!