Software Update: Yahoo Messenger 10.0.0.1102

Yahoo Messenger is Yahoo’s chat program that allows users to send files to each other in addition to messages. It is also possible to chat with the users of Windows Live Messenger. Furthermore, the operation of the program can be expanded with the help of plugins. The latest version of this instant messenger has been assigned number 10.0.0.1102 and bears the following announcement:

Yahoo! Messenger 10: Final version now available

Thanks to all of you who tried out Yahoo! Messenger 10 during the Beta period and provided feedback about your experience.

As of today, Yahoo! Messenger 10 is no longer in beta. You can download the final version from our website. This latest version (10.0.0.1102) incorporates many bug fixes, including some related to our new video call feature. We’ve also improved the overall stability of the product.

If you’re a Windows 7 user, you’ll be glad to know this version is compatible with the new operating system.

Below is a summary of the features that are in Yahoo! Messenger 10. Be sure to watch the demo video at the end of this article for a quick tour.

High-quality video calls
We’ve completely redesigned our 1:1 webcam feature (under the hood too). Now you can make a high-quality video call to a friend with synced audio, right in the IM window. Features include the ability to swap video windows, position the video windows side-by-side, mute the call or place it on hold. You can even go full-screen with your video call. To get started, click the new “Video Call” button in the IM window (your friend also needs to be on Yahoo! Messenger 10).

New “Y! Updates” view of your contact list
People are busy these days, doing all sorts of interesting things online. To help you keep up with your friends, we added an alternate view of your contact list that shows a real-time stream of their updates, including Messenger status message changes. If they’ve opted-in to share their updates via Yahoo!, you’ll be able to see what they’re saying on Twitter, reading on Yahoo! Buzz, listening to on last.fm, and more.

We also added additional features for how and when you see your friends’ updates. When a new update comes in, a “toast” alert will pop up in the lower right corner of your screen. If you want to disable these, go to Messenger > Preferences > Yahoo! updates. You can turn alerts on and off and even update preferences by contact or by type of update.

Find more to chat about
Within the new “Yahoo! Updates” view, you’re sure to find more to talk about with your friends. To make it easy, we added a hover menu that lets you quickly IM a friend about their update. When you do, the update appears inline in the conversation window, so when you start your IM with “I can’t believe you like this song!”, your friend will know what you’re talking about. Note that your friend needs to also be on Yahoo! Messenger 10 to see the update inline.

Change your language easily
If you use the US version but wish it could be in your local language, you’re in luck. When you start up Yahoo! Messenger 10, you’ll notice a new language menu on the sign-in screen. Choose from 16 different languages ​​and the buttons, menus and various parts of the interface will change to that language. If you’re already signed in, you can also change your language under Messenger > Preferences > Language (you’ll have to restart Yahoo! Messenger for it to take effect).

As with any new release, we welcome your feedback about what’s working well for you and what’s not. After using Yahoo! Messenger 10 for a bit, go to the Help menu and select “Send Feedback” to get started.

Sarah Bacon
Product manager