Windows Live Messenger Public Beta

Windows Live Messenger, the next generation MSN Messenger, is now available for everyone to use after being available by invitation only for months. You can download Windows Live Messenger from http://ideas.live.com/.

Windows Live Messenger have everything available in MSN Messenger — Contact list, emoticons, insant text message, voice chat, and video conferencing — with some new features such as: Sharing Folders, PC-to-phone calls, continue conversation when you appear offline and new user interface.
Sharing Folders

Sharing Folders allow you to easily share files with your contacts. To create a share folder, simply drag and drop a file onto a contact name. This will create a Sharing Folder on both your computer and your contact’s computer with the exact copy of the files you shares.

You can access the sharing folders on Messenger or on your desktop. The sharing folder is located on C:\Documents and Settings\YourUsername\Local Settings\Application Data\Messenger\yourpassport@example.com\Sharing Folders\contactname@example.com.

Using the Sharing Folder is easier than sending the file via email or uploading it to the web because anytime the file on the shared folder is changed, the changes will be synchronize to your contact.