Hotmail Web Messenger returns (or does it?)

By Kip Kniskern on March 21, 2009 3:32 AM

24 comments

Web Messenger, expected as part of the Wave 3 update to Windows Live Hotmail but only seen in fits and starts, appears to be making a comeback. We spotted Web Messenger in December, only to discover that we were still hosted on dogfood servers after a preview we were privy to for the Wave 3 release. Then Web Messenger made another appearance for some users, although that didn’t last long either.

Now we’re getting reports that Web Messenger is returning, although we’re not seeing it here as of yet. Jamie Thomson logged in from Web Messenger today, and we chatted briefly about what he was seeing:

but no sooner than it appeared for him, he lost it:

Having said that, whilst writing this email (and chatting to Kip who wrote the above linked to blog entry on Liveside) it unexpectedly logged me out and now it won’t let me back in:

Are you seeing Web Messenger in Hotmail? Let us know in the comments.

Posted in News | Tags: Web Messenger

Comments

http://www.liveside.net/members/CompletePrat/default.aspx CompletePrat

I’ve had the Hotmail Web Messenger for approx. 3 days. Had it once before ages ago but it disappeared after about a day.
http://www.liveside.net/members/DJBoddington/default.aspx DJBoddington

i do see it in hotmail :)
http://www.liveside.net/members/JSYOUNG571/default.aspx JSYOUNG571

The same thing that happened to Jamie happen to me on the day my account was updated to the new Windows Live Hotmail almost 2 months ago. Web Messenger was there in my account for almost majority of the day. By late evening, it was gone. I had no problems with it while it was on that day and still have not figured out why Windows Live is moving like turtles to release it fully instead of playing peek-a-boo with us. RELEASE THE WEB MESSENGER IN HOTMAIL PLEASE!
http://www.liveside.net/members/orionll/default.aspx orionll

Nothing here, hope it comes, though…

A side note, also sent to the tips email:

I saw a new ad for Windows Live on Mythbusters today, this time Grant was using Windows Live Photo Gallery. This time I also had the great idea of filming it, but I need to convert it (from mov) and upload. Any recommendations on freeware? Anyhow, I’ll try and get the video up tonight.
http://www.liveside.net/members/orionll/default.aspx orionll

Uploaded the video:

http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?vid=84515589-c623-4f51-9f80-de2166bd805e
http://www.liveside.net/members/Gilly/default.aspx Gilly

I have it in Hotmail and it seems to be working for me. Doesn’t look complete though – for instance users Display Pics are just generic messenger icons.
http://www.liveside.net/members/BV2312/default.aspx BV2312

I think it’s something to do with browsers as it’s doesn’t work in IE7/8 it says Messenger but when you click onto it it says ‘Loading’ when i use opera it says Messenger with the Messenger Icon next to it and it works…. Odd
http://www.liveside.net/members/reportered/default.aspx reportered

I’ve had Web messenger back for the last 3-4 days now too and I’m running IE8

Still waiting to get Favourites sync though :-(
http://blog.mynetx.net/ mynetx

Web Messenger in Hotmail appeared last week for some of my test accounts. However, it has only launched in smaller markets; I guess the Windows Live Team is scaling the backend architecture before releasing it in a wider scope.
http://www.liveside.net/members/BV2312/default.aspx BV2312

@reported try changin ur toolbar option within wlt to ‘US’
then close the browser down and re open it and go back into WLT then there should sync favs on the left
http://www.liveside.net/members/emiliano84/default.aspx emiliano84

i’d like when i click on see contacts, to see online contacts before offline…and no all my 250 messenger contacts in alphabetical order!
http://www.liveside.net/members/igotoparker/default.aspx igotoparker

I’m from the UK. I’m seeing it, and am able to use it.
http://my-leaked-thoughts.spaces.live.com/ LaserWraith

I’m from the USA and can’t see it. :-(
http://www.liveside.net/members/Edgar-J_2E00_/default.aspx Edgar J.

F*** this i’m not using wlm messenger until comes web messenger….
http://www.liveside.net/members/PortugalFire/default.aspx PortugalFire

It is only activated on Internet Explorer.
http://www.liveside.net/members/orionll/default.aspx orionll

Really? I’ve got to check again then :P.
http://www.liveside.net/members/orionll/default.aspx orionll

Nope, still don’t have it.

:/
solstice

I’m in Belgium and was surprised Microsoft, finally, decided to launch web messenger in Hotmail. And I have access to this feature. I’m using Xubuntu (linux) and it works good on Firefox and Epiphany. But it lacks basic features such as (visual or sound) alerts when we receive a message (an alert would be useful when we visit another website and the Hotmail tab is in the background) and there is no interoperability with Yahoo! Messenger users.

It’s not yet so good and complete as the chat feature on Gmail, Yahoo! Mail or AOL mail.
http://www.liveside.net/members/Nick/default.aspx Nick

Oo sweet. Got it on bay 124
http://www.liveside.net/members/mcrobbiegt/default.aspx mcrobbiegt

Web Messenger back for me here in the UK!!!
Is their a way to sort contacts so they can be listed by who is available?
http://www.liveside.net/members/revanmj/default.aspx revanmj

On bay 124 nothing, on 115 I have only Messenger menu with loading (on IE, Firefox …)
http://www.liveside.net/members/Edgar-J_2E00_/default.aspx Edgar J.

Ihave one 2 of my web accounts.
http://www.liveside.net/members/zaf/default.aspx zaf

i want this so bad…
http://www.liveside.net/members/joeale/default.aspx joeale

When can i get Web Messenger.

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