A Few New Features
The new Messenger makes good use of Vista’s optimal graphic qualities by providing one of the smoothest looks for an instant messenger yet. In addition to offering an extensive library of colors palates for the application, users themselves can develop their own custom skins to share with friends and family.
A few new features include:
- photo sharing within the instant messaging window
- tabbing on IM windows, better organizing the user experience
- optional planting of Yahoo! Messenger on the Vista widget tray
- contact list scaling, allowing users to adjust how much or how little information they see on their contact lists
- and the new sidebar gadget, which allows users handy desktop access to Yahoo! Messenger information and contacts.
Slow Beginnings
Noticeably absent from the Vista 1.0 Beta are all the great features from previous YM releases, such as voice, photo-sharing, webcam and chat rooms; however, Josh Jacobson, Senior Product Manager at Yahoo!, said these features can be expected in an upcoming release of the Vista product.
While the beta version is pretty limited, I noticed a certain lag in the program; while pretty visually, a slow messenger is never a good thing when time is an issue and there are many people to talk to. At one point, I had multiple windows open in the application, sending my computer into a slow crawl when it came to sending messages and opening other features.
On the YM Vista group, Jacobson said such issues have been reported and the developers are working on a fix for some of the lag when performing core functions.
Our Verdict
Despite some early issues, which can always be expected in a beta version, Yahoo! Messenger for Vista 1.0 is poised to become a favorite messenger for its sleek design, great palate of rich colors and (as the designers promise) valuable tools for the Vista crowd.
Until the final version is released, however, I stand by a three-and-a-half star award out of five stars because ultimately, client efficiency should always come before aesthetics.
