Hello everyone,

I unfortunately neglect this NG way too often.  Here is some information on what's new in MSN...

On November 17, MSN Hotmail Web 10 launched.  Although initially the update was minor and most things were hidden, the December 2nd MSN Spaces blogging service <http://spaces.msn.com> launch in the US [total of 26 markets, 11 languages] completed it.  For more information, read below and the press release at <http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2004/dec04/12-01MSNWave10PR.asp>.  Please comment/ask questions about anything!

MSN Hotmail Web
- Full integration with MSN Web Messenger to provide instant Messenger service especially when roaming [note--this may not be available yet].
- MSN Contacts integration in more areas with MSN Messenger to encourage users to communicate via IM even while in their e-mail.
- Contact cards like those in MSN Messenger 7 with the user's display picture, display name, messenger status, blog photos, blog updates, easy access to view space, start messenger conversation, and send e-mail .
- Add a Messenger contact <http://hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/AddressPicker?context=WebIM>.
- Change settings for automatic Messenger sign-in when signing into MSN Hotmail Web <http://hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/domsgroption>.
- Links along with pictures are now disabled in messages in the Junk Mail folder [or unknown senders if the option is enabled].  Also, a warning message can be turned on for links that are not from msn.com/microsoft.com.  To change settings for 'Display Internet content' or 'Unknown Link Warning' go to <http://hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/prefs?screen=mail>.
- Virus scanning when forwarding a message.
- Attach photos OCX control that shows thumbnails and then automatically compresses photos for sending via e-mail.
- Find feature searches headers and body [although stated otherwise] <http://hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/HoTMaiL?FindMSG=1>.
- URLs open in a fresh new window using JavaScript instead of the old 'You're viewing a page outside of Hotmail' banner [which just caused so many problems].

MSN Messenger 7
- Public beta available at <http://messenger.msn.com/beta>.
- MSN Spaces showing blog activity in contact card, including new posts and photos.
- 'Gleaming' buddy icon when new space content is added for both online and offline contacts.
- Default 'Click here to customize MSN Messenger' link <http://messenger.msn.com/feature/personalize.aspx> in bottom content bar.
- 'Add to my personal space' access via user's display name at top.

MSN Web Messenger  <http://webmessenger.msn.com/>
- Removal of beta status [RTW on November 18].
- Available in 25 markets [as opposed to 8 initially].
- Service looks more like MSN Messenger 7.
- Ability to choose status before signing in.

Left to be seen:
- Sender ID SPAM prevention <http://www.microsoft.com/senderid>.
- Hotmail server level scanning provided by Trend Micro.
- Custom messenger status messages.
- MSN Spaces .NET Tab for seamless access to the user’s space.

Regressions:
- Hotmail 'Apply filter now' removed [which I'm NOT happy about].

MSN.com Home Preview <http://www.msn.com/defaultpf.armx>
To set your browser cookie to the new page, go to: <http://www.msn.com/?opt=out>
To revert back to the old page, go to: <http://www.msn.com/?opt=in>
Fill out the survey at <https://www.msnfeedback.com/surveys/usa/prm_hp9pf_200406.htm>.

Demo of MSN Spaces; video by Robert Scoble [MSFT Evangelist] of Michael Connolly [Group Program Manager] and Jim Horne [Product Unit Manager]:
Video link [00:14:15]: <http://www.microsoft.com/winme/0411/23725/MSN_Spaces_Demo_MBR.asx>
Channel9 post: <http://channel9.msdn.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=30998>

Talking all about MSN Spaces; video by Robert Scoble [MSFT Evangelist] of Michael Connolly [Group Program Manager] and Jim Horne [Product Unit Manager]:
Video link [00:30:55]: <http://www.microsoft.com/winme/0411/23725/MSN_Spaces_MBR.asx>
Channel9 post: <http://channel9.msdn.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=30995>

MSN Spaces team that blog on MSN Spaces [imagine that]:
Scott Isaacs [Web Experience Architect]: <http://spaces.msn.com/members/siteexperts/>
Mike Torres [Program Manager of Web Experience]: <http://spaces.msn.com/members/mike>
Michael Connolly [Group Program Manager of Web Experience]: <http://spaces.msn.com/members/emcee>
Dare Obasanjo [Program Manager of Backend]: <http://spaces.msn.com/members/carnage4life>
Jay Fluegel [Program Manager of Web Experience]: <http://spaces.msn.com/members/jay>

Versions:
MSN Hotmail Web: 10.00.1118.0072
MSN Web Messenger: 10.0.1108.0
MSN Spaces: 10.0.1124.0
MSN Hotmail Web with Web IM and Spaces: 10.00.1121.0073

@Matthew

Update:
1) Changed the wording of the beginning because it was partially incorrect.
2) Added "Note: These features may or may not work on your Passport, there is some confusion as to if these are available everywhere."
3) Added "'Add to my personal space' access via user's display name at top" under MSN Messenger 7 heading.
4) Added easier link to MSN.com Home Preview: <http://www.msn.com/defaultpf.armx>.
5) Added "URLs open in a fresh new window using javascript instead of the old 'You're viewing a page outside of Hotmail' banner [which just caused so many problems]."
6) Added MSN Web Messenger section since it is part of wave 10.