VoIP Toolkit

Microsoft steps up VoIP offering

Candace Lombardi CNET News

Published: 10 May 2006 11:20 BST

Microsoft has launched a public beta of Windows Live Messenger, an instant messaging program that challenges Skype by offering international PC-to-telephone calls and video.

As part of the beta, Uniden and Philips will sell cordless phones that work with the service, allowing people to make both Messenger-based and landline calls.

The PC-to-phone feature makes local and international calls through a Verizon Internet telephony service that has been expanded to include Austria, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands. The Verizon Web Calling service previously covered only the US, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Spain.

Windows Live Messenger builds a unified contact list that draws on information from other applications.

Those with broadband and a Webcam can use Live Messenger for video calls. MSN Messenger, the parent application of Live Messenger, offers PC-to-PC calling with video and PC-to-mobile instant messaging, but not landline calling.

Live Messenger is part of Microsoft's new Windows Live online suite. Many of the applications are available as free beta downloads under Microsoft's plan to compete directly with Google online. Included are Windows Live Mail -- the next-generation Hotmail -- and Windows Live Search.

Live Messenger will compete with instant messaging services from AOL, Yahoo and Google, which also offer various phone capabilities, as well as the VoIP giant Skype.

Last week, AOL announced that it will launch this month AIM Phoneline Unlimited, which will let AOL Instant Messenger users accept phone calls from anyone in the world through AOL Instant Messenger for free.

Windows Live Messenger beta is available for public download. It was previously invitation-only.