05/21, 3:46pm
Carrier security feature opens door to phishing
Smartphone users on at least 48 cellular carriers may be vulnerable to traffic hijacking and phishing attacks, according to researchers from the University of Michigan. A paper to be presented this week at the IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy alleges that researchers were able exploit a carrier security feature to hijack connections to Facebook, Twitter, Windows Live Messenger, and the AdMob advertising network, and to spoof traffic for banks and financial institutions.
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03/26, 4:20pm
Microsoft blocks IMs containing Pirate Bay links
Windows Live Messenger is now blocking links to The Pirate Bay, The Verge has learned. The move isn't relegated to links from the illegal sharing site, however, as Microsoft has gone on record to say its chat program blocks messages that contain malicious or spam URLs, third-party sources and user complaints. It's entirely based on intelligence algorithms.
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08/08, 6:10pm
Unclear how soon Skype will actually be integrated
There are new indications that Microsoft will be providing video chat capabilities into its Wave 5 release of Messenger within Windows Live. Liveside.net has posted Skype-like video icon images for Wave 5 Messenger. It is still not clear to what extent Microsoft will be able to incorporate video chat capabilities from Skype, which the company announced it was buying in May for $8.5 billion.
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07/20, 8:55pm
Microsoft dev update helps Live in Android, iOS
Microsoft on Wednesday outlined an updated developer platform that should help bring its services into third-party apps on smartphones, including those using its competitors' platforms. Apps on Android, iOS, and Windows Phone 7 now just need a basic client link and to point the app to an OAuth 2 sign-in. The link gives them access to information from Windows Live's core services, including Hotmail, Windows Live Messenger, and SkyDrive cloud storage.
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05/15, 5:20pm
WP7 Mango to get multi-network IM and Office 365
Microsoft's upcoming Mango update for Windows Phone 7 had even more features unveiled Sunday through the latest episode of the Windows Phone Dev podcast. The release is now due to have built-in instant messaging not just for Windows Live Messenger but AIM and Facebook as well. Microsoft's system would be smart and weave into the people hub, automatically detecting whichever is the best network and create group messages.
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05/11, 9:05am
Microsoft CEO vows support for non-Windows Skype
Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer in the media conference following the buyout of Skype repeatedly stressed that the VoIP app would still get support beyond Windows. Having mentioned support in the initial news, he added that it was "fundamental to the proposition of communications" that other platforms like Linux, the Mac, and non-Windows Phone mobile hardware got support. He pointed to the company's "track record" of Office for Mac as well as mobile apps for Android and iOS as examples.
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05/09, 8:45am
Windows Phone 7.5 said getting Windows Live chat
Among the features expected to come with Windows Phone 7's Mango update should be tight Windows Live Messenger support, according to a possible scoop Monday. Instant messaging would be built into the People hub and would be used intelligently to reach contacts. By default, LiveSide heard by way of an accurate leaker's Twitter update, WP7 would use Live Messenger over SMS texting to reach a contact as long as that person was shown as online.
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10/25, 5:20pm
Skype to cut off Nimbuzz support by October 31
Nimbuzz , which provides free communications over the Internet through an app, was given until the end of the month to remove support for Skype by the VoIP company. The reason for this differs depending on who you ask, with Skype saying Nimbuzz cut off all talks with it over complying with API Terms of Use and the End User License Agreement. Nimbuzz, on the other hand, believes the request was made because Skype was trying to sever all ties with third-party VoIP service before its IPO.
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04/27, 10:55pm
STM Glove now available in new colors
Microsoft's Windows Live Messenger app for the iPhone has been detailed in screenshots posted on newowin.net. Sources claim that Microsoft on Wednesday will unveil the next generation of Windows Live Messenger, however the public beta and iPhone app are not expected to be released until June. The app provides photo sharing and chat functionality, along with a social stream.
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12/19, 9:10am
AV in Messenger for Mac
Casual users of Messenger for Mac should finally be able to engage in audio and video chats like their Windows counterparts, Microsoft has announced. Following the addition of AV chat for corporate users, Microsoft says it is now working on support for personal clients. Though the technology is currently associated with a beta of Windows Live Messenger, a matching beta of Messenger for Mac should see public release in 2009. A demo should be present at next month's Macworld conference.
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11/13, 4:40pm
INQ1 handset coming to 3
European wireless provider 3 announced it will soon launch its INQ1 handset, integrating Facebook by delivering alerts and synchronizing contacts with their Facebook profiles. The handset will also pair existing contacts with their respective Skype and Windows Live Messenger accounts. The data network connected handset is thus able to replace a user's PC for chat and social interaction, and also complement it thanks to its ability to act as a plug and play modem for notebook PCs.
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