This, rather large window, is the new Windows Live Messenger. Currently in public beta this is what Microsoft will shortly be forcing all current Windows Live users to upgrade to.
The focus is on social networking. If you are one of the many that have little or no interest in this social phenomenon may want to turn away and read a newspaper.
One of the most obvious features, if it could be referred to as such a thing, is the removal of custom display names. In a bid to consolidate all Windows Live services into one single ID, and to help prevent abuse and spam on the messaging system, Microsoft now only permit you to use your real name. No longer will you be know as DaddyLongLegs69 or IvorBiggun. Instead you will become plain old boring John Smith (although if your name is John Smith, please accept my apologies. And condolences). Of course you could simply change your real name in Windows Live to something else such as Mr Kipling but sadly any name you decide upon must have a first name and a surname. And Microsoft reserve the rights to remove any names they consider to be abusive or false. So no calling yourself Big Penis.
Fans of large windows will rejoice at the new Windows Live Messenger. It’s large window offers a portal into the online world of Bing and other parts of the MSN family. However if, like me, you miss the good old days where Messenger didn’t take up the entire screen then you will be pleased to know that with one simple button click, messenger will transform into a pale imitation of it’s previous self.
Microsoft show no signs of backing down on many of the decisions they have made to Messenger. Will some users be happy with the changes or will people be up in arms and battering down the doors at Redmond demanding they reactivate the custom names they have become to love. Or simply will the masses move to an alternative instant messaging platform such as Google Talk? I suspect we won’t have long to wait.
Windows 7 Release Candidate Announcement 
