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Windows Live Messenger 9.0 will feature SPIM, a new security feature that reports users who send unsolicited messages

Microsoft’s next version of its instant messenger application will have a new security feature to report users who send unsolicited messages, known as SPIM (spam over IM). That’s one of several new features in Windows Live Messenger 9.0, which was released to some private beta testers on Tuesday.

The problem with SPIM is that it’s annoying and, at worst, dangerous. The tricky part is that the hacker may have obtained someone’s IM account details, so it appears that a genuine contact is sending the messages. After compiling a list of IM contacts, hackers try to trick users into clicking links. Those links can often launch an unwanted installation of spyware or other malware via a browser vulnerability or other security hole.

Other new features might be in version 9.0 include:

• Animated .GIF files can be used in the display photo area.
• Allows users to associate a specific sound with an action performed by one of their contacts.
• URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) can be clicked on in the status area

Click for more on Live Messenger 9.0 will feature SPIM »

Microsoft sends out Windows Live Messenger 9.0 beta invites

No sooner has the Windows Live Wave 2 suite been released than the first Wave 3 beta begins - Windows Live Messenger v9. Unlike the betas that have just finished, the Messenger v9 beta is being run from Microsoft Connect as a private beta, meaning that, for the moment at least, unless you receive an invite, you won’t be able to participate.

For the moment it looks like most previous Windows Live testers are getting invites, so stay tuned to your inbox. With such a popular beta like this, you better sign up quick.

So what’s new? While the goodies aren’t yet available, we’ve heard about Multiple Points Of Presence (MPOP) support, which allows you to sign in from multiple devices, ie be online at two places at once.

Annoying someone via the Internet is now a federal crime.

It’s no joke. Last Thursday, President Bush signed into law a prohibition on posting annoying Web messages or sending annoying e-mail messages without disclosing your true identity.

In other words, it’s OK to flame someone on a mailing list or in a blog as long as you do it under your real name. Thank Congress for small favors, I guess.

This ridiculous prohibition, which would likely imperil much of Usenet, is buried in the so-called Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act. Criminal penalties include stiff fines and two years in prison.

Click for more on Create an e-annoyance, go to jail »

@live.com Email registration is officially opened and a new live suite launched. 

Windows Live received a comprehensive, Google-like, update to attract more Windows users and convince them to take some of their online activities to Microsoft’s servers. Microsoft itself calls the new Windows Live a “free and fun upgrade for the online and Windows experiences” and promises that the new services “simplify” the digital lives of Windows users. The company claims that more than 400 million users worldwide are using Windows Live already.

Click for more on Microsoft refreshes Windows Live »

It appears that Google is working on integrating IMAP into Gmail, but it is only appearing in select few Gmail and Google Apps for domains accounts at the moment.

When we checked Gmail Help database this evening, Gmail had said that they support POP, but not IMAP. Then a few minutes later, that doc was gone, and a stack of IMAP related help docs were up. The new pages explain how to integrate the new mail feature. It’s as easy as setting up POP, but with huge benefits.

Click for more on Gmail gets IMAP, finally »

Passengers could soon be using their mobile phones on planes flying through European airspace.

Plans have been developed across EU countries to introduce technology which permits mobile calls without risk of interference with aircraft systems.

Regulators around Europe are calling for consultation on the potential introduction of the technology.

Click for more on Cellphone Use On Planes Coming Soon »

Gmail is soon to undergo a change in what they describe as a “New Version”–are you a lucky tester?

Gmail was launched on April 1, 2004, and has revolutionized the way many of us use email. The interface has remained largely untouched since it launched, but get ready, it’s soon to undergo a change in what they describe as a “New Version”. Only a select few people have access to use the new interface — mainly employees and trusted people outside the company called “Trusted Testers“.

Click for more on New version of Gmail being tested »

Users for years have been lamenting the fact that Hotmail was only available as an http protocol, and did not offer POP access.  Well that’s now changed for Hotmail Plus users, and plans are in the works for making POP access available to all Hotmail users for free.

Starting this week Hotmail Plus users ($19.95 a year) will be able to use POP access from any device. In the interest of transparency though I want to be clear that we have plans to offer POP to all users (all premium and free) but we aren’t ready to do that yet.

If you do take advantage of this premium feature and sign up for Hotmail plus you’ll also get an ad-free experience, more storage, larger attachment support, and a non expiring account.

Click for more on Hotmail Plus now offers POP Access »

Microsoft’s instant messaging network is rejecting users who have signed up using a .Mac email address.

Because of a recent system update, you must change the email address that you use to sign in to Windows Live Messenger. Until you change your email address, you won’t be able to use Windows Live Messenger

Microsoft explains the changes were required as a security measure because Office Live Communications Server 2005 SP1 enables messaging between the Windows Live Messenger Service and corporate IM systems. Some users have reported that the issue has been fixed, anyone still affected by the problem?

A few downloads for Office Communicator 2007 just popped up at Microsoft’s Download Center:

• Language Pack for Microsoft Office Communicator Web Access (2007)
• Office Communications Server 2007 Best Practices Analyzer
• Multilingual User Interface Package for Microsoft Office Communicator 2007

Office Communicator 2007 is a unified communications client that helps people be more productive by enabling them to communicate easily with others in different locations or time zones using a range of different communication options, including instant messaging (IM), voice, and video. Integration with programs across the 2007 Microsoft Office system—including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Groove, and SharePoint Server—gives information workers many different ways to communicate with each other via a consistent and simple user experience.

The first two are free downloads, the 3rd one(MUI package) requires OGA(Office Genuine Advantage). For those who are having problem with the verification, here is the direct link.