MSNM 7.0's very nice if you have windows (Same goes for iChat and OS X really) but alternate operating systems are out of luck, which is where Skype will shine.

It's great for me (OS X) to talk to my friends (Win32/OS X/Linux) without worrying if they need to install some stupid app, as Skype handles it all, hopefully it will for video too, one day.

So is Messenger V7 better than it used to be at getting through firewalls, nat and routers? Whenever I've tried audio or video with messenger in the past, it's never worked.

Hey Speedy_B,

You make a good point. I agree, Skype has substantial strengths, multi-platorm is just one of many.

I am hopeful Skype will meet the challenge.

Thanks for submitting your thoughts. They are helpful.

Good Skyping...

Regards, Bill

Hey Julian!

Yes, MSN 7.0 is much better on firewalls. I made about 8 tests today. Many to Skype buddies, who like me, use a NAT Router. The connection was seamless.

MSN's connection is P2P (new) which is a major contributor to their performance.

Not every test was perfect. And yes I had crashes. :) :) Several of the tests were done with Skype Audio as well as MSN Audio.

Thanks again for your comments. I appreciate your frequent participation.

PS: you can stop trying to build your presence server. We have a surprise for you. :) :)

Regards, Bill

I am a Skype user and the audio quality of skype has been its greatest strength the biggest weakness has been the lack of video.
Having said this I am not able to use MSN 7 in my computer because I am behind my university firewall but I can connect perfectly with skype

If MSN 7 is P2P is is not showing that in my network. I've tried several different ports and it still does not allow me to connect!!!!

I just installed the latest version of MSN. Indeed their video/audio features are much improved. But audio is not quite on par with Skype. I think there is still a long way for MS to be able to compete with Skype in this territory.

Leo

u guys testing anything other than kazaaa (I mean skype) and other IM giants?

Seems a bit colse minded...but that is on par with skypes voip model.

closed

Hey Craig!

Yes, actually we try to test just about any VoIP product that comes along. Stuart and I just finished testing ineen. I did CQ about a month ago. But I agree with your point, our Journal is pretty much focused on Skype.

Regards,Bill

Hi All,

I have just downloaded the latest version of MSN having use version 6 for many years and was very impressed. I did some audio/video tests with my son while his son was also in another audio/video conversation on another PC and the quality was excellent, no audio break up at all and the video was well in sync with the audio.

I did not have any problems with firewalls or routers and all worked straight away after the program was installed without any extra set up.
At the moment I think Skype have a long way to go to beat MSN on all fronts, but I am sure they will get there one day.

Bill you said that MSN 7 in now P2P but I could not find anywhere that told me this, maybe you could spread some light on this for us on how to get it working etc.
Regards…… Rocketman

hi to evry one

Hi Bill,

Now that Video4Skype is available and you've tested it, how does its video quality compare to MSNM7.0's? My (very few) tests with MSNM7.0 gave me rather bad video quality, even between two PCs in the same room (albeit over WLAN)...

I would appreciate your views.

Thanks,

Wim

Hey Wim!

Thanks for dropping by.

The video quality of both is quite similar. I would probably say MSN has the edge. Of course the integration of Video4Skype into the Skype client is seamless.

Let's wait a few more days for the next release of Video4Skype. Maybe the edge will disappear.

I must say that the bandwith to quality ratio for MSN is exceptional.

Regards, Bill