Windows Live Messenger for Vista available

InfoWorld | at | by Mike

Microsoft has released the final version of its new IM client optimized for Windows Vista.

Windows Live Messenger 8.1 offers enhancements that make it more compatible with Vista, which had its widespread consumer release on Tuesday.

Updates in the IM client include new looks for emoticons, contacts, and display photos that take advantage of Vista's new and improved user interface, Microsoft said.

Microsoft also added the ability to send an SMS to a phone number or add phone numbers for contacts by clicking on a cell-phone icon in the client's main window. Also new is the ability to send a personal message when users want to add a new contact to their contact list.