Matthew@MSN

Let the competition begin!

2005-09-11T03:59:00Z

MSN has recently come out with some developer competitions for MSN Messenger and Virtual Earth. Be sure to check out the Virtual Earth Hacks video on Channel9 and Dare's post for any other information.

@Matthew

MSN gets into Internet audio

2005-09-01T07:55:00Z

Also yesterday, Microsoft announced that it bought Teleo, a provider of voice over Internet protocol [VoIP] technology. Currently MSN also uses similar VoIP technology in MSN Messenger, but has not yet incorporated into the public switched telephone network [PSTN]. I have been using VoIP PSTN service through Packet8.net and so far have been quite impressed [in the pocket certainly, and call quality as well]. I should also note that Microsoft has used other VoIP technology before deploying it's own, but Microsoft .NET Voice Services as it was known was discontinued in software updates in 2003.

The technology certainly looked cool, I hope MSN uses it well.

@Matthew

MSN launches phishing filter

2005-09-01T07:25:00Z

Yesterday the butterfly released the Phishing Filter Add-in for MSN Search Toolbar Beta as expected. The technology uses the same Microsoft Phishing Filter in Internet Explorer 7 Beta [codename Rincon]. This is one of many cool additions to the MSN Search Toolbar, including an MSN Games and MSN Weather modules, and MSN Screen Saver Beta [although it can be used independently of MSN Search Toolbar now].

I haven’t taken a look at the technology in detail yet, but I wonder how it compares to other anti-phishing technology like Netcraft Toolbar or Earthlink ScamBlocker, which uses technology from Brightmail. Even eBay’s toolbar now indicates when a user is browsing a real eBay/Paypal site.

@Matthew

Announcing Windows Vista - Clear, Confident, Connected: Bringing clarity to your world [rev0]

2005-07-22T19:51:00Z

I thought I would have to blog about this at the very least - come on, it's Windows.

Well kids, it's not going to be Windows 2006 - that would be too 1990s. Windows Codename “Longhorn” is now going to be known as Windows Vista, the next version after Windows eXPerience, in case you're confused. The news broke yesterday, but Microsoft hadn't made an announcement until this morning. It's clear to me that Microsoft branding/marketing is no longer happy with being the boring old company of the past, instead they want to be like Apple. Well, they have a long way to go and unfortunately a lot of boring old people still use Windows and they don't seem very happy. haha Just kidding to all those who don't like the name, but I think it's kinda neat; then again I can't get enough from marketing. At the very least, if Microsoft didn't create these wonderful crazy names, then what would we have to talk about? Well, maybe about all the children dying of starvation in Niger because of a new famine there, but *sigh* I live in the USA.

Ugh, now I seem kind of jaded - lol, this is what happens when you don't blog enough.

Anyway, Windows Vista Beta 1 is coming August 3 and might RTM [release to manufacturing] May-October 2006. Already people have been registering “vista“ domains like 'microsoftvista.co.uk', 'vistafordummies.com', 'winvista.net' [that Microsoft didn't already get] and even selling them on eBay.

Also, be sure to check out some blogs and news stories for more information:

Microsoft Watch: Longhorn to Be Christened 'Windows Vista'
Robert Scoble: Speculation over new Longhorn name all over the blogosphere
ActiveWin.com: Official Longhorn Name is Windows Vista
Bink.nu: It's Official: Windows Codename Longhorn is Windows Vista! Beta 1 on August 3rd
Neowin.net: Longhorn To Be Named 'Windows Vista'

@Matthew

Microsoft Passport Network 3.0 coming soon... [rev1]

2005-04-27T09:16:00Z

Some of you may have noticed some new Passport logos last night. Hopefully that means Microsoft Passport Network 3.0 will be launching shortly. Passport will loose the .NET name and focus on being used for mainly Microsoft sites. eBay and others have already removed Passport support from their sites. Although Passport was initially developed as a single sign-in service for the revolutionary web services market, Microsoft soon scaled it back as the Hailstorm initiative failed. Although this doesn't mean that Microsoft isn't committed to web services.

The new Microsoft Passport Network will be much more user friendly, making it easier to manage the information stored in a user's account. MSN Account Services site will be focused on providing an easy gateway to all that information, including marketing preferences, your children's accounts, account credentials, privacy and security.

The upgrade appears to be in progress now, but here's a little sneak peak of the new features and UI [sorry, you have to scroll down when opening the image].

Update [2005/04/27 16:58 -6]: Mess.be has also reported on the new Passport, although they're mistaken on a number of points.

>View "Create a security key" (for strong-credential sign-in).

Security key was discontinued back in the beginning of March and is expected to be redesigned. However, the security key may have been removed for security reasons as Passport 2.5 is upgraded to 3.0. That is to say, that upgrading secure information could in itself be a security risk and the information was deleted to prevent that - part of Microsoft's increase security awareness. Security key is used as additional protection against extremely private information, such as bank statements stored in MSN Money, so most people will not need to set up this service.

>View "Add or change your Mobile credentials" (probably linked to MSN Messenger 7's Offline/Mobile Messaging feature).

Mobile credentials is nothing new and will not be tied with Mobile Messaging, which will still need to be done at the MSN Mobile site. Adding a phone number and PIN to your Passport allows you to easily sign in to Passport on mobile devices. You can also sign in to Passport on a computer with this phone number and PIN if you add @passport.com to the end of the phone number.

And finally the unoffiical MSN Messenger enthusiasts site Messenger Blog is giving a link to one test bed although I would highly recommend that you don't go playing around with it. It's possible to harvest any information in a number of test beds since security is generally not enabled when debugging. Soon enough we'll all be able to play with it.

/update

@Matthew

MSN Messenger 7.0.0777 is released to the public! [rev0]

2005-04-07T05:06:00Z

Today MSN Messenger 7.0 was finalized and released to the web [RTW] for public consumption. Jeff Wilkes and others have reported being able to get it from the official site, but I just tried and got 6.2, so try the Neowin download link.

Also, MSN Spaces has removed beta from it's name, increased storage from 10 MB to 30, added more themes, announced 4.5M Spaces created, and launched What's Your Story?. However, there will be many more exciting things from the Spaces team later on and eventually more storage as a universal platform is completed.

Press releases:

More press:

@Matthew

PS--Thanks to Paul for most of this stuff.

Is Matthew still alive? [rev0]

2005-04-01T02:27:00Z

Well yes I am. Sorry for the lack of blogging, but I've been trying to get a feel for what, how and why I want to blog. Luckily .Text provides great statistics and I think I have a sense for what you guys want. The NEW Microsoft Network received the most views and thus I will be creating a Major News feed for all of those who want to know when MSN comes out with something big. I'll be adding some links to different news sources and resources for MSN customers. As this weblog develops, I invite you to watch my MSN Space [after all, I should eat MSN's own dogfood] since that blog [RSS] will be updated more frequently. As time goes by, feel free to comment or send me an e-mail on what you would like to see or what you like so far. I'm hoping that as the MSN MVP program matures, you will hear more from us as a group.

As far as my syntax, I'm using revision tracking in the title so that MessageCast's LiveMessage Microsoft Passport Alerts will be delivered for every update to the post. This may also play nice with some aggregation services. Unfortunately I have the habit of updating posts quite often.

Stay tuned for some exciting news from MSN!

@Matthew

EULAs are important! [rev0]

2005-02-25T17:59:00Z

From $5 to $1000, EULAs [or end user license agreement] are starting to offer cold hard cash! Most people dread reading all this legal mumbo-jumbo and simply click yes when installing software. I actually do scan through them if they're not that long or I simply just read the titles of the different paragraphs [unless I'm in a hurry].

Anyway, the $5 refers to a clause in Microsoft's AntiSpyware *cough* AntiAdware */cough* Beta in case Microsoft makes a mistake and the software's definitions start erasing personal files. Of course Microsoft has to actually find and admit the error themselves, which they recently did. I think that's a little generous since the software is free and will remain free. I have GIANT's software myself since it has more features, but Microsoft recently released an update that increased performance among other things, which was true when I uninstalled GIANT on a slow machine and installed the new Microsoft build. I compared the boot times and there was a decrease in 10-15 seconds on a 2:30 boot time [yeah, it's a slow machine]. Anyway, it kind of makes me angry that Microsoft isn't updating the GIANT build, they're only updating the definitions for it.

The $1000 check was cut by PC Pitstop when Doug Heckman was the first of over 3000 downloads to actually read the EULA and e-mail the company for compensation. If only I used their software... Interesting to note that this article was first on Slashdot.org and then News.com used it.

@Matthew

Xbox Power-cord Replacement Program for No-charge [rev1]

2005-02-17T17:43:00Z

A problem has been found with Xbox power cords that can cause burns or damage to the console when submitted to sustain over voltage or mechanical malfunction. The power cords affected were manufactured in the United States before October 23, 2003 or Europe before January 13, 2004. Record the serial number and manufacturer date found on the bottom of the Xbox and then go to <http://replacements.webprogram.com/en-us/index.asp> to receive your no charge replacement.

For more information:

FAQ - <http://replacements.webprogram.com/en-us/faqs.asp>

Microsoft recalls Xbox power cords - <http://news.com.com/2100-1043_3-5580586.html>

When checking multiple consoles on the web site, make sure to clear your cache and I would even go so far to try it multiple times. I was able to register one Xbox for the replacement and then another came up fine, when I went to register the third it said it didn't need the replacement at first, but after trying again I was able to order a replacement.

Now my question is I have multiple Xboxes in the house and power cords have been shuffled around in the past. How do I identify which power cords are faulty? Additionally, one Xbox was manufactured on September 9, 2003, which is before October 23, 2003, yet the web site and automated phone system [number in FAQ] says it's fine, how can that be? I called and then pressed 0 twice to speak to someone, but was disconnected after a few minutes. Microsoft needs to promptly address these concerns with the contractor.

@Matthew

Update: I finally talked to someone at the Xbox Power-cord Replacement call center and he basically told me “I have no idea.” Luckily he ordered another cord so I could replace all of them. However, he didn't know how I could tell which power cords would be effected, other than to look at the new ones and compare/contrast. Also, he didn't know why the system would deny an Xbox that was manufactured before October 23, 2003 based upon the serial number. I was thinking about it some more and Xbox Support had refurbished my old unit with a brand new one since mine was damaged in transit upon requesting them to fix the damm DVD drive [this being the second time I needed it replaced!]. Maybe since it was refurbished and a new serial number, it wasn't in the system correctly. It's incredibly unfortunate that the contractor isn't making a better effort to resolve problems customers are experiencing and as a result it reflects negatively upon Microsoft. I'm going to try bringing up these issue with Xbox Forums and Major Nelson.

The NEW Microsoft Network

2005-02-01T06:19:00Z

Tonight Microsoft officially launched the new version [a/k/a wave 10] of MSN.com. The site loads much faster, emphasizing content and search services more than advertising. With the launch of the new site comes the final release of the more precise, more powerful MSN Search. The new search has been in development since March 2003 and beta since November 2004. The engine is using MSN’s own web crawler [MSNBot 1.0] and Newsbot service that launched back in July 2004. New features include search results in RSS, faster performance and more results from other MSN properties. The search engine is also featured on Microsoft.com now. For more information, visit:

The online tour.
Two PressPass articles, How to Build a Better Search Engine: MSN Launches New Internet Search Service, and MSN Launches New Internet Search Service Designed to Give More-Precise Answers in Less Time.
MSN Search Fact Sheet and MSN Search Answers Fact Sheet.
The quite lengthy MSN Search Reviewer's Guide [helpful tips].
On the MSN Search team's blog.

If you want to be nostalgic, I was still able to access the old search on either IE's Search Assistant or IE's Auto Search, and the old tour is still up [with sound!].

Some press:

NYTimes.com - Microsoft Introduces Its Own Search Service
ClickZ Network - MSN Campaigns For Search Share in Integrated Effort [wow, big ad blitz!]
C|NET News.com - Microsoft kicks off search effort
PRNewswire - MSN Launches New Internet Search Service Designed to Give More-Precise Answers in Less Time [probably more permanent link]
MarketWatch - MSN unveils its new search engine
Geek.com - Microsoft announces MSN Search [guess who commented]

Additionally, the MSN Toolbar Suite [Desktop Search] team has launched a new beta build to address some bugs. More information about the changes can be found on their blog. Also be sure to check out the user testimonials.

Please submit any feedback to MSN Support or the Channel9 Wiki.

Although this means that a number of betas have gone gold, there are more betas right around the corner, like MSN Shopping beta. It’s another much cleaner interface over the predecessor and quite like Windows Marketplace.

Now that MSN has kept me awake when I wanted to go to bed early, I’m going to go crash. Have fun everyone!

@Matthew

PS--I kept forgetting to blog about the v6 updates to Microsoft TerraServer [another play toy in MSN Sandbox].

Update: I quickly added some press links. I see Google's and Yahoo's [Inktomi] stock price going down soon. Also, much thanks to Paul for posting a lot of this!

Go all over Europe in MSN! [rev3]

2005-01-27T00:10:00Z

Thanks to Scoble for this.

There is a bug in Microsoft MapPoint that takes you on a crazy adventure all over Europe while the start and end points are in the same country. The bug is expected to be fixed in February.

@Matthew

Update:
1) You can read the response from Microsoft @ <http://www.mp2kmag.com/mappoint/discussion/viewtopic.asp?p=12088#12088>.
2) c|net News.com also picked up on the story.
3) February is gone [today is March 2] and the bug has been fixed! In case you didn't know, MSN Maps & Directions has been redesigned as well.

The official MSN.com beta, My MSN RSS, and MSN Search!

2005-01-21T23:41:00Z

Hello everyone,

Paul said I need to update more so I thought I would tell you all that the MSN.com beta has officially launched. You can check out the new features at <http://www.msn.com/?opt=out> or <http://www.msn.com/defaultpf.armx> [the former will create a cookie so you get the beta page every time you go to msn.com]. I really like the choice of colors, simple white or classic blue. More information can be found on the tour page and be sure to be heard by giving your own feedback.

Also of note, My MSN can now import RSS feeds, like mine! That means that you can create a My MSN module that updates the latest headlines from some of your favorite sites [or blogs] that support RSS [usually an orange logo]. Check it out at <http://rss.msn.com/> and <http://my.msn.com/>! One thing I would like to see is the ability to import multiple RSS feeds into one module [or cluster them if you will], giving you the latest headlines from a combination of sites/feeds [i.e. the latest headlines from IT, international news, business news, et cetera]. Submit your own feedback at <http://support.msn.com/feedback.aspx?productkey=msncom>.

One last thing, in case you haven't noticed, MSN Search has switched over to the beta service and appears to no longer be using Yahoo's Inktomi or Slurp technologies, but it's own MSN Advantage and MSNBot. I have been using the beta service quite a bit since MSN Toolbar Suite has launched and I must say I'm quite impressed. However, the old search is still in IE's Search Assistant, IE's Auto Search or simply <http://www.search.msn.com/>. For more information, please visit the MSN Search Team's Blog.

Expect more updates when I recover all my data from this nasty recovery CD that reformatted my HDD! Thanks to Jonathan and Ontrack's EasyRecovery Pro, I should be back up and running shortly.

@Matthew

Update: MSNtv2 is also using the old search. Snap.com, a company I've never heard about, offers an interesting search technology also now in beta.

A rose for those affected by the tsunami...

2005-01-08T08:02:00Z

Hello everyone,

Mess.be is reporting that some MSN Messenger users are showing their sympathy for tsunami victims with a rose (f) in front of their display name. My prayers are with them all...

@Matthew

Update: Only one of my friends has actually done this, which I find to be quite surprising. Also, I ended up putting the rose at the end of my name so that I would be listed alphabetically.

Microsoft releases a preview of Anti-Adware software.

2005-01-06T09:04:00Z

Hello everyone,

Well good news tonight [right before I go to bed of course], Microsoft has released their Anti-Spyware [*cough* Anti-Adware */cough*] beta created from the acquisition of GIANT Company Software. Current users of GIANT Anti-Spyware are recommended to use their current software subscription, which will be supported <http://www.giantcompany.com/commonQuestions.htm#gen_beta>. If you would like to participate in the preview, download at <http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=321cd7a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671> or visit <http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware> for more information.

Please note this is beta quality software and is not supported by Microsoft. The software is set to expire on 2005/07/31. However, if you have any difficulties, please submit any new cases via newsgroup at <http://communities.microsoft.com/newsgroups/default.asp?ICP=spyware>. You can also access the newsgroup via NNTP newsreader by entering <news://privatenews.microsoft.com> as the server and 'privatenews\spyware' as the login name with password: 'spyware' [case-sensitive].

@Matthew

PS--I'm not a big fan of the 'spyware' label since spyware refers to malicious users using software to spy or steal things from your computer. Adware is a specific form of malware usually packaged with freeware or shareware as means of advertisement revenue. However, GIANT does a great job of protecting from all malware except viruses, Trojan horses, et cetera. Now I can't wait for the Anti-Virus solution from Microsoft [PC Satisfaction Trial].

Update:
1) It appears there may be a little more propping going on as some links fail, try to download the EN-US version at <http://download.microsoft.com/download/8/1/5/815d2d60-49b5-44dc-ae35-fca2f2c6f0cc/MicrosoftAntiSpywareInstall.exe>.
2) The official site was finally propped earlier today at <http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software>.

LIVE: Celebrate the new year with msnvideo.com!

2004-12-31T11:40:00Z

LIVE: The three live streams are as follows,
1) The Show of behind the scenes activity with Romeo from Z100 [some radio personality in NYC]: <http://video.msn.com/asx/msn_stream1.asx> [mms://ms.wm.llnwd.net/ms_msn_nye_stream1]
2) The Scene of the Times Square celebration show: <http://video.msn.com/asx/msn_stream2.asx> [mms://ms.wm.llnwd.net/ms_msn_nye_stream2]
3) The Skybox, bird's-eye coverage of Times Square: <http://video.msn.com/asx/msn_stream3.asx> [mms://ms.wm.llnwd.net/ms_msn_nye_stream3]
Also, if you wish to send out a Happy New Year live across the world, e-mail <timessquare@hotmail.com>, with "NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE" as the subject line <http://www.timessquarenyc.org/nye/nye_interactive.html>. Your messages may appear on The Show webcast or online at <http://www.timessquarenyc.org/nye/nye_acrossGlobe.html>.

Hello everyone,

New year's eve is upon us and MSN Video is ready to help you ring in the new year with exclusive three-angle Times Square coverage available for the first time on the Internet! Celebrate like never before on this historic 100 year anniversary of the official Times Square New Year's Eve party. The webcast will begin at 6:00 pm EST and end at 12:15 am EST. Until then, there are a number of videos about the celebration, it's history and a review of 2004 at <http://msnvideo.com/newyears>. Additionally, check out MSNBC's Year in Review at <http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6662484/> and have a Happy New Year!

@Matthew

PS--For those who subscribe to .NET Alerts updates of my blog, there will be an alert sent out shortly before the webcast begins. For more information, read the press release at <http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2004/dec04/12-28NewYearsBallPR.asp>.

Update:
1) That means it starts 5 pm CST, 4 pm MST, 3 pm PST [I know it's easy to forget].
2) I tried doing the .NET Alert but MessageCast didn't want to play along.

My heart goes out to the thousands who died in the tsunamis...

2004-12-28T18:31:00Z

Hello everyone,

Wow, I remember waking up and seeing the breaking news text message that there were terrible tsunamis in south-east Asia, thousands feared dead and now the death toll just keeps rising. Then when watching more news this morning, I was taken back when I saw pictures of loved ones posted like that of 9/11/01, family members still hoping their loved ones are alive somewhere. It's just so incredibly sad that so many lives could have been saved with a warning system that could give hours warning time.

For up to date information on the death toll and other news on Asia's deadly tsunami, go to <http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6758619/>.

@Matthew

Update:
1) <http://www.ifrc.org/helpnow/donate/donate_response.asp> [thanks Ben] Server has been quite slow today, maybe Microsoft can air drop some extra servers lol.
2) Interactive map: <http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6763621/>, from NOAA <http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2004/s2357.htm>. More information on the disaster: <http://www.reliefweb.int/> <http://www.cidi.org/incident/tsunami/> <http://www.usaid.gov/>. More links to donate: <https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp> <http://www.unicefusa.org/tsunami>.
3) A list of charaties is now available at <http://g.microsoft.com/mh_mshp/720>. Also, if you want to know anything about the tsunami, just visit Ben's blog at <http://spaces.msn.com/members/bbodenmiller/Blog/cns!1pHp6DlZl60Utcbx7Cz492kA!197.entry> [um, wow].

Concepts, concepts, concepts everywhere! [rev3]

2004-12-08T09:13:00Z

Hello everyone,

In case you haven't heard, Neowin has leaked some concept photos of MSN 11, for which we can expect around the launch of the next version of Windows, codenamed Longhorn due in 2006. The images and video of MSN wave 11, Longhorn Live, and Microsoft Live Services have since been restricted. I think it all looks great, although I will warn you that the final product is usually much different from the original concept. There is no live code, or program behind these images; it's simply a graphics designer working his magic. That said it still shows where the MSN team is heading and that they are absolutely committed to developing better products. Maybe eventually we'll even see some prototypes, which have running code, of MSN 11 and these new Live services.

Feel free to browse around the Concepts image gallery where you'll find not only the above mention concepts, but also the old concepts of MSN Mars [MSN Explorer 6], HailStorm [now defunct .NET My Services/XML Web Services] and Unified Communication Client [still left to be seen].

@Matthew

Update:
When viewing the image gallery, I know that some of the images aren't resized properly for the CSS I'm using and I did change it, but I like this one so much! So remember you may have to scroll all the way down to view the image. I may fool around with it and add some white space just to get it to resize better, but for now I'm being lazy [and have too much stuff to do].
Attention--All images and references to the artist have been removed at the request of the artist.

For our international users...

2004-12-05T09:03:00Z

Hello again,

MSN Hotmail has started to introduce the availability of new country code [top level domains] e-mail addresses: <http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2004/nov04/11-18MSNSecurity.asp>, <http://www.msn.co.uk/newhotmail>. This means that now you might be able to get an e-mail address that's already taken on @msn.com or @hotmail.com. However, I do not recommend creating an easy address, as through my experience you will be spammed the easier it is. Spammers will commonly take well-known domains and a dictionary to start creating e-mail addresses to spam, regardless of their actual validity. Anyway, these are the domains [so far]:

France @hotmail.fr <https://registernet.passport.net/reg.srf?id=2&lc=1036>
Germany @hotmail.de <https://registernet.passport.net/reg.srf?id=2&lc=1031>
Italy @hotmail.it <https://registernet.passport.net/reg.srf?id=2&lc=1040>
Japan @hotmail.co.jp <https://registernet.passport.net/reg.srf?id=2&lc=1041>
United Kingdom @hotmail.co.uk <https://registernet.passport.net/reg.srf?id=2&lc=2057>

Important: You cannot change the country or language during registration [as it will change the domain], but you can after the account is registered <https://registernet.passport.net/editprof.srf>. Also, note that new accounts will be given 25MB within the first 30 days and then bumped up to 250MB [applies to new accounts only, existing accounts in 9 markets should have full storage].

You could actually migrate your current account to the new one, although it isn't an easy task as described in <http://www.msn.co.uk/newhotmail/help> [applies to all MSN Hotmail accounts]. They describe a somewhat hard way to move over contacts, because I think it would be easier to subscribe to MSN Hotmail Plus <http://upgrade.msn.com/> and use Windows Address Book. Additionally, when moving over your Calendar, after sharing it's as easy as opening the shared calendar event and clicking 'Add to My Calendar' [which finally works]. There is also a tool from TrueSwitch [new], but I believe it costs.

@Matthew

PS--I’m still trying to find @hotmail.com.ar, @hotmail.co.th and @hotmail.com.tr if anyone wants to assist.

The wave keeps rolling on in...

2004-12-04T09:11:00Z

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.

I have the Halo2 flu, does anyone have a cure?

2004-11-15T21:57:00Z

Hello all,

I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted and that might partly be because I have the Halo2 bug. I should have gotten the vaccination, but the lines at the health clinic looked horrendous. I’m even part of the high-risk group [male under the age of 25]. Well, now I’m really regretting it.

Have a great week everyone,
@Matthew
[needing Halo2 antibiotic stat]