Microsoft launches Windows Live Messenger that supports voice calls

In a bid to improve its online revenues, Microsoft has entered Skype territory with its new application.

Microsoft has launched the final version of its Windows Live Messenger software. In the new version, a lot like Skype, users will be able make voice calls between a PC and a telephone number. The new version will also support calls between PCs.

According to the company, the new version will replace the current MSN Messenger product that has around 240 million users. 

This application will bring Microsoft into direct competition with Skype. As of now, Skype has more than 100 million unique registered users. 

The new application is part of Microsoft's strategy to expand its online services and increase its revenue from online advertising. In this area, Microsoft is facing the heat from Google which keeps reinventing itself. As part of its strategy, Microsoft will launch 20 online applications including email and blogging services. 

An earlier version of the Windows Live Messenger had been released in December to a limited tester base. From May onwards, the application has been available as a public beta.

Consumers using the new application will have to pay for making the calls. They will have to deposit funds into an account that will get billed for calling time that has been used. 

Recently, Skype had dropped charges for calls within the US and Canada. However, Skype still charges for calls outside those regions.

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