Yahoo launches Messenger 9 Beta

Yahoo’s Messenger software has been around the block a few times, and the new beta version (9) of the software adds some social features. While the overall look and feel of the app remains very much the same, users can now invite contacts on AOL, Gmail, Orkut, Hotmail, Myspace, and others to connect through to the Yahoo service. The new beta version will also sport slightly larger emoticons, so you can “express yourself with more oomph.” Also present are the ability to play games with your contacts, right inside Yahoo Messenger. The status bar is split into two sections: one for availability, one for a place to share a link or thought.The full version for Windows is due out in Q3 of this year, with a Mac version coming later into the year.