Search engine provider Yahoo! has launched a new version of its instant messenger (IM) service for the Windows Vista system, it has been revealed.The revamped Yahoo! Messenger - which had been available in a text messaging-only preview version since December last year - has a range of new features, such as scalable contacts, tabbed messenger windows and more skins.
In addition, the offering provides users with support for computer-to-computer calls, as well as calls to and from phones.
It can also communicate with mobile phone text messages sent using SMS technology and has integration with the Yahoo! address book
Although the older IM version did work with Windows Vista, these capabilities were missing.
Available to download now, the new system is still in beta and Yahoo! has said it would appreciate user feedback to assist with making improvements.
Commenting on the new offering, CNET News writer Ina Fried said it has an "extremely pleasant look and feel".
She commented: "Using the Windows Presentation Foundation graphics engine built into Vista, the program smoothly resizes Windows and moves buddy icons around based on the screen real estate available."
Ms Fried added that Yahoo! does not have any immediate plans to offer further Vista applications.
Reportedly, the search engine provider intends to "learn its lessons" with the IM program and wait for the number of users who have installed the Vista system to increase.
