Yahoo Messenger

2018. Yahoo Messenger is shutting down



Yahoo Messenger, one of the pioneering instant messengers, is scheduled to cease its service on July 17. While the company has not explicitly stated the reasons behind this decision, it comes as no surprise considering the current dominance of messaging platforms such as Facebook's WhatsApp and Messenger, Snapchat, WeChat, and others. It is worth noting that Oath, the parent company, previously discontinued AIM, AOL's equivalent messaging application, in October. Yahoo has provided an option for users to download their chat history on Messenger for the next six months, which can be done by visiting this link. The downloaded files will be saved to your computer or device, but there is no specific provision to transfer them to another messaging app.


2015. Yahoo Messenger becomes a mobile messenger



Yahoo Messenger is being revitalized by Yahoo with a set of fresh messaging apps, breathing new life into the platform. While the older web-based version of Yahoo Messenger will receive support for a few more months, it will eventually be retired, according to the company's announcement. The new Yahoo Messenger app bears similarities to popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, but it boasts its own unique features. These include a built-in GIF search powered by Tumblr and the ability to instantly share large numbers of photos, regardless of the network you're on (Wi-Fi or data connection), thanks to Flickr integration. Moreover, users can like individual messages within a conversation and even undo a sent message at any time. The new Yahoo Messenger is available as an iOS and Android app, as well as a web app that can be accessed within Yahoo Mail on desktop. In this setting, it operates in a manner similar to Google Hangouts in Gmail.

2008. Yahoo Messenger for Vista reaches new speeds

Testers of the preview version of Yahoo Messenger for Vista can experience improved speed by installing Microsoft's recent Windows Vista Hotfix. This Hotfix is designed to enhance response time in Vista's layered windows, making them up to four times faster. The increased velocity applies to all applications that utilize layered windows, including Yahoo Messenger for Vista. Menus that overlay the central interface, such as the options menu or skin chooser, will benefit from this speed boost. Users who have already installed Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Beta will have the Hotfix included, and it will also be available in the final release of the service pack. For those who don't want to wait, the Hotfix can be obtained separately and addresses one of the top user complaints about Vista. Installation requires administrative privileges and a system reboot to take effect.


2007. Yahoo Messenger is now Webware

Yahoo has introduced a web-based version of its instant messaging client, accessible at webmessenger.yahoo.com. The Flash-based application provides a seamless messaging experience for users familiar with the downloadable app. While the web version lacks some advanced features like plug-ins and integrated voice chat, it efficiently handles the core messaging functions. Similar to Google and AOL's web-based chat services, the main advantage lies in not requiring a download, making it ideal for chatting on restricted corporate machines or borrowed computers. Yahoo's online Messenger offers a reliable and user-friendly chat client. It includes a history feature with a search function, allowing users to find previous chat conversations. However, the chat archives are limited to within the browser app, so switching between the downloaded app and the browser chat may result in an incomplete chat history. Although the online Messenger is straightforward and visually appealing, it may not be as versatile as the multi-IM web app Meebo, especially if you have friends on other networks like Google or AOL. Overall, while the current web-based Messenger is satisfactory, many users are eagerly awaiting the promised global release of Yahoo's integrated email/chat application announced in November.


2006. Yahoo released Yahoo Messenger 8.1

Yahoo has released an update for its instant messenger to enhance security, but users should be cautious during the setup process. Rushing through the installation of Yahoo Messenger with Voice 8.1 may result in unintended additions, such as the Yahoo Toolbar in your web browser, which sets Yahoo as your homepage and default search engine. This issue of intrusive extras is not new, and while software vendors claim these additions are beneficial, many users find it frustrating to lose control over their desktop. Opting for custom installation can prevent these changes, but the majority of users don't take the time to customize settings or know how to adjust preferences later. Another complaint is the difficulty in fully closing Yahoo Messenger, as it continues to run in the system tray even after closing the window. Despite these drawbacks, some users appreciate the messenger's plug-ins for expanded interaction with contacts. However, those who find the intrusiveness bothersome may prefer installation-free alternatives like Meebo or Gmail's integrated chat feature. Ideally, integrating instant messaging within Yahoo Mail would be a convenient solution. In the meantime, a video guide is available to help users avoid unwanted add-ons when installing Yahoo Messenger with Voice.


2006. Yahoo! MSN adds Mac IM interoperability

On Wednesday, Microsoft launched Messenger 6.0 for Mac, enabling Apple users to connect with Yahoo Messenger users through their instant messaging software. This feature was previously available for PC users in July but was absent for Mac users until now. The updated software also grants Microsoft IM users on Mac the ability to create personalized emoticons and share their currently playing iTunes song with their buddies. The software can be downloaded for free from Microsoft's Mac website. Additionally, it is worth noting that the interoperability features of Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo Messenger for PC, previously in beta, have been officially released to the public on the same day.


2006. Microsoft and Yahoo IM services to become interoperational

Users of Microsoft Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo Messenger with Voice beta now have the opportunity to participate in a beta program that allows them to communicate and exchange messages with each other. This marks a significant step towards interoperability between the major instant messaging services, eliminating the need for third-party applications like Trillian. Existing users will be prompted to join the beta test, while those using older versions can visit the respective websites to participate. This development opens up new avenues for seamless communication and connectivity between users of these popular messaging platforms.


2006. Yahoo Messenger gets plug-ins

On Monday, Yahoo unveiled the beta version of Yahoo Messenger with Voice, an enhanced chat application that introduces free plug-ins offering various functionalities. These plug-ins, developed by Yahoo and third-party developers, leverage Yahoo's open application programming interfaces (APIs) to enable users to track eBay auctions, view Amazon.com wish lists, collaborate on event planning, compare calendars, and more within the instant messenger application. The beta release includes separate versions for nearly 20 languages, with the American English version alone featuring over 20 plug-ins. Some notable plug-ins include eBay for monitoring auctions and bids, Amazon.com for browsing popular items and sharing wish lists, Yahoo Calendar for synchronizing schedules and sending appointment invites, Yahoo Event Finder for collaborative event planning, Yahoo 360 for viewing friends' blogs and photos, and LaunchCast Radio for listening to free music. Additionally, Yahoo Messenger with Voice now supports sound effects during voice conversations, offers up to 1 GB for file transfers, and allows up to 1,000 friends to be added to the contact list. In a similar vein, Microsoft announced its plans to launch Windows Live Messenger the following day, AOL introduced a free AIM phone service, and Google offers Google Talk as competing instant messaging options.


2005. Yahoo and Microsoft IM: Can we talk?

Yahoo and Microsoft have unveiled a partnership aimed at achieving interoperability between their respective instant messaging (IM) services. The collaboration seeks to challenge the dominance of AOL's AIM in the IM market. Although the three companies have collaborated before, previous efforts focused mainly on corporate interoperability. The announcement, which was initially reported by the Wall Street Journal, has generated excitement among bloggers who appreciate the move towards greater compatibility and communication between different messaging systems.


2004. Yahoo to Trillian: Talk to the hand

In its latest move to restrict third-party integrators, Yahoo has started blocking Trillian software from accessing its instant messaging service. The block was implemented to prevent spammers from misusing Yahoo Messenger. Trillian is a software that combines multiple instant messaging clients under one interface, allowing users to communicate with buddies on different systems. Yahoo has previously blocked Trillian, but workarounds were implemented. This time, Yahoo plans to continue changing its protocols to prevent Trillian and other clients from finding new ways to incorporate Yahoo. The blocking efforts highlight Yahoo's efforts to protect its proprietary IM network, similar to actions taken by other major internet service providers in the past. IM spam, also known as "spim," is considered a growing concern, although it is not yet as significant as email spam.


2004. BT, Yahoo mix VoIP with messaging

BT Group and Yahoo have joined forces to launch a voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service in the United Kingdom that will enable users to make calls from Yahoo Messenger to any telephone worldwide. The integrated service will combine IP voice calling with the features of Yahoo Messenger and will be available on the Yahoo network in the UK as well as through various BT channels. The partnership expands on the existing collaboration between BT and Yahoo and is expected to launch later this year. The service will offer call waiting, directory functions, and an integrated package that allows users to access email, instant messaging, and voice calling from a single desktop location. This move reflects the increasing adoption of VoIP technology by both startups and established carriers as a key communication solution.


2004. Yahoo mulls new features for Messenger

 Yahoo is currently assessing the demand for new features in its instant messaging platform, Yahoo Messenger. These features aim to enhance the chatting experience by allowing users to listen to music while conversing or manage a single address book within the messaging application. To gather user feedback and preferences, Yahoo has started conducting surveys among select visitors of its web network. The potential new features being considered include games, friend icons, avatars, and stealth-mode capabilities. One notable enhancement involves enabling users to listen to music directly within the application and share information about their musical preferences. Yahoo has outlined a total of nine new features for Yahoo Messenger, which also include the addition of new emoticons, avatars for personal customization, and the introduction of audibles—small animated elements with sound that allow users to express themselves during chat interactions.


2003. Trillian plugs back into Yahoo, MSN

Cerulean Studios has released software patches for its Trillian client that enable support for MSN and Yahoo instant messaging services, according to co-founder Scott Werndorfer. The patches, available on Cerulean's website, allow both the free 0.74 version and the older for-pay Pro 1.0 version of Trillian to continue working with Yahoo and MSN clients. The recent release of Trillian Pro 2.0 already includes the necessary updates. The patches were released shortly after Yahoo announced its upgrades might block third-party clients like Trillian. Trillian integrates multiple instant messaging applications, allowing users to manage AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, MSN Messenger, and Yahoo Messenger in one interface. The patches align Trillian with the latest protocol requirements of MSN and Yahoo. Although neither Cerulean nor Yahoo commented on the reasons for the software patch release, Yahoo's recent move aims to encourage users to upgrade their older versions of Yahoo Messenger. This mirrors a similar decision by Microsoft to require MSN Messenger users to upgrade for security improvements, though Microsoft did not provide assurances about compatibility with third-party services like Trillian.


2001. New MSN Messenger fuels rivalry against AOL

Sources familiar with the plans have revealed that Microsoft is on the verge of launching a new version of its instant messaging service, which could enable interoperability with rivals like Yahoo. This upgrade has the potential to facilitate the creation of a unified instant messaging standard, breaking down the technological barriers that currently hinder communication between users of different platforms. While AOL Time Warner's America Online has refused to open its IM networks to competitors, Microsoft's forthcoming MSN Messenger 4, set to be unveiled in March or April, aims to kickstart interoperability by allowing text exchanges with Yahoo Messenger. More advanced features, such as file sharing, will be introduced in subsequent phases. Microsoft and Yahoo representatives have refrained from commenting on specific timelines, but industry insiders expect communication between the services to commence imminently. This move comes as part of the efforts by the IMUnified coalition, which includes Microsoft, Yahoo, AT&T, Odigo, and Excite@Home, to enable interoperability among their respective IM services. Despite concerns raised by AOL about privacy and security, the lack of interoperability has inadvertently fueled competition and prompted users to embrace multiple IM services simultaneously. A study by Jupiter Media Metrix revealed that Yahoo Messenger and MSN Messenger were gaining traction in the United States, challenging AIM's dominance. The potential consolidation of the IMUnified companies into a cohesive force could pose a significant threat to AOL's position in the market.