Microsoft unveils new Windows Live Messenger

Microsoft has unveiled many of the new features that will be in the next version of Windows Live Messenger, which will be released as an open beta at some stage this summer.

More than 320 million people worldwide already use the instant-messaging software. When the next version is released they'll be able to take advantage of features such as high-definition video calling and tabbed conversations.

There will also be improved integration with your Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn accounts, though Microsoft insisted that you would still be very much in control of your privacy options.

"As internet usage continues to explode, consumers everywhere are sharing more content across a variety of different social networks, photo and video sites and other sharing experiences, making it hard for people to stay in touch with the people they care about," said David Law of Microsoft UK.

"With the new Messenger, we focused on providing tools that make it easy to cut through all the clutter and keep up with the best of your social updates from across the web," Law continued.

The Social Highlights feature lets you see what your favourite contacts are up to, but in a sly dig at the controversy surrounding the launch of Google Buzz, Microsoft's Mark West said that Windows Live Messenger would ask you to pick out your favourite contacts. "We don't make any assumptions," West told Web User.

Google was criticised when it emerged that it automatically linked your Google Buzz profile to those of people you contacted on a regular basis. One blogger complained that it had exposed several of her contacts to her abusive ex-husband.

There will also be versions of Messenger coming for mobile platforms such as the iPhone, Microsoft said.