Yahoo Messenger with Voice
It's intriguing that an IM product that's had a voice component for years must launch a new version "with voice" and yet that is the message that Yahoo is promoting with the release of Yahoo Messenger 7.0 for Windows. As I reported on the beta version it's a big step forward and it does add real utility to Yahoo. Will it hold the tide of IM users flocking to Skype? Maybe. Is it enough to turn the tide? No not yet. Still it makes the Yahoo client much more sticky. Plus Yahoo has some integration options with e-mail and mobile IM that keep it attractive.
Two things Yahoo is really promoting in this release.
1. Free worldwide PC to PC calls. You can also buy a phone card although the integration could be better. Voice now works, often better than using the phone, however it's not well integrated, retaining a bolted on rather than built in feel. Example - the VM voice mail notification (you have to have "messenger" "show/hide" "seach bar") for it to be visible. The voice archives are difficult to find without this. There is no "events" notification. I can't identify how a YahooIn call (Future) would be handled, or how caller ID would be presented in the future. The downside of these additions is a lack of control over whether anyone can call or start a chat etc.
2. Photo Sharing: On the plus side Yahoo has enhanced how pictures can be shared. It's another integration. The more I think about it the more I'd like to see it in the actual client, Slide shows should be possible
Emoticons: Yahoo adds some new ones. They are nicely done.
Things I haven't checked but am curious about.
- Is dialup performance better than Skype? How's the voice quality stack up. Yahoo has many more dialup users.
- What will the impact on Yahoo chatrooms be? Will better voice change dynamics? Note the beta and previous versions weren't voice compatible.
Overall
Skype still has quite a lead. From recent reviews of new clients Jajah, Gizmo, Wavigo, Voipbuster, all these are lacking what makes for an easy-to-use telephone replacement. In Yahoo's case they have the resources and capabilities to blow Skype out of the water. Still it's only going to happen if they get the basics right and open up to the developer community. That's key if Yahoo is to get linked to the next generation of hardware devices now being released. Otherwise Yahoo could find themselves locked out of the future because they are not compatible with these upcoming products.


Comments
google, skype and yahoo competition
Posted by: emeka eje | August 25, 2005 06:21 AM
I want to be a skpe messenger
Posted by: parie | December 8, 2005 03:31 PM
Hi,
Could you please let me know that how much badwidth, the latest yahoo messenger 7.0.0.437 with voice will take.
Thanks,
Chetan.
Phone No:040-55390386.
Posted by: chetan kumar | December 14, 2005 10:24 PM
I have blogged about the importance for all the Voice services to be compatible with one another.
It is very important indeed, for users across the main platforms: Yahoo! voice, Skype, MSN Messenger and Google Talk to be able to talk across the networks.
Posted by: David Ajao | December 17, 2005 02:16 AM
best forever
Posted by: soumya mishra | February 26, 2006 01:25 AM
I would like to intergrate my camera/audio into Skype but I don't know how to do it. lol' Can you help?
Also is it possible to put it in msn messenger and yahoo?
Any info would be welcomed.
Thank You
Posted by: Don Curry | March 25, 2006 11:35 PM