14 DAY TRIAL // Yahoo has just released the final version of its new instant messenger client Yahoo Messenger 10.0.0.1102. The latest version comes after a beta period of more than two months. The Yahoo dev team has been working on getting it to release quality and the final build comes with a lot of bug fixes and stability-related updates. Yahoo also noted that the latest version was fully compatible with the newly launched Windows 7.
Yahoo Messenger 10 is the next evolutionary step for the IM client, borrowing more than a few things from the previous Yahoo Messenger 9, but also incorporating a couple of big new features. The most touted one is the one-on-one video call feature introduced with the first beta version. It allows users to have real video calls with video and audio sync in real time.
It builds on the webcam features which have been available in Yahoo Messenger for several years now. However, it involves a lot of work both in the client itself but also in the back-end to make sure Yahoo's infrastructure is up to the task. It only works if both users are on Yahoo Messenger 10, but there shouldn't be anything holding you back from upgrading, now that the final version has been released.
The video shows up right inside the chat window and users can switch between several views. There's the standard view in which you can see your friend, but also how he sees you, in a small window in the corner. In addition, you could make the two windows equally big by putting them side by side. Finally, you could even go to full-screen to have the best experience. All of these options and more are detailed in the video below. And if you're having troubles with the feature, you can read this post on how to set up Yahoo Messenger 10 for video calls for more info.
The second big feature is the Updates tab, which shows up next to the Contacts, allowing you to switch between viewing your friends list or viewing their status updates from a number of services like Twitter, last.fm, Flickr, and a lot more. This way you can keep up with what your friends have to say right inside the IM windows. And the best part, if you see an interesting update, you can IM your friend about it straight away thanks to the built-in hover menu. The latest version comes with a lot more smaller features and tweaks and you can see them for yourself by downloading it from the link below.
Yahoo Messenger 10 final for Windows is available for download here.