Yahoo Launches Browser Version of Messenger

[TechCrunch]

eBuddy and Meebo made it clear that there is significant demand for instant messaging via the browser - many users work from computers where they can’t download software and so web based instant messaging is the only way they can use the service.
Microsoft has its own web messenger and Google’s Gtalk is integrated into Gmail and other properties. Yahoo has also experimented with web chat previously, with their integration of chat into their Yahoo Mail site.
This evening Yahoo will launch a dedicated site for Yahoo chat at webmessenger.yahoo.com. It should be live around 6 pm PST. They will also be publishing a screencast overview of the service a little later here.

Unlike most other web based chat services, Yahoo Web Messenger is built on Flash 9. At launch it will include only basic functionality, and is integrated with MSN Messenger (you can add Live/MSN Messenger contacts to your Yahoo friends list). Users can also add avatars and emoticons are supported. Yahoo says VOIP functionality may be added later.

[Dermot]

Ever wish you could use Yahoo! Messenger without having to download or install anything?, you're at college, web cafe, friends house. Well, today is your lucky day: please give a big Yahoo! welcome to the all-new Yahoo! Messenger for the Web.



You can gain quick access to the new beta by visiting the link http://web.im and can check out the flash animated yahoo smileys with a couple new ones like the pirate.

You can check out a quick video showcasing it's features and screen at Yahoo Messenger for Web so check it out and don't worry about not having yahoo messenger available at your finger tips anymore as this beta version will even work behind restrictive work firewalls.

[Philip]

Thanks for the update, Dermot. The Yahoo site says that Yahoo Messenger for the Web was launched in several countries (including Malaysia, where I am) but when I tried to log in and launch it, it says "Sorry, Yahoo Messenger for the Web is not available in your country." What gives?

[Dermot]

to quote yahoo..

This is also the first version of Yahoo! Messenger that we’ve ever offered in Vietnamese (yeah!). It’s also available in Portuguese and Traditional Chinese, and we’ll continue adding more languages over time. Yahoo! Messenger for the Web is initially available only to users in the U.S., Brazil, India, Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam.

so i guess they may say worldwide..but haven't got to it yet.

[Nessa]

This actually looks quite nice. I can't wait to try it out first chance i get! And thanks for the update Dermot. :)

[MichelleArca]

Finally!! all the other web based solutions where there a long time ago ..............