Microsoft is preparing to launch a newer version of MSN Messenger very soon. The next generation MSN Messenger tentatively is named Windows Live Messenger and it is still in beta testing stage. Like the next version of Hotmail - Kahuna, Windows Live Messenger is also accepting beta users to test on the new service but unfortunately I do not have the invitation for this one.

Anyway, I’ve got you all some screen shots of Windows Live Messenger.

While remaining most of the features we already familiar with, such as text and voice messaging, emoticons, and video conferencing, Windows Live Messenger integrated VoIP and File Sharing of any kind of documents.

As compared to the latest Yahoo! Messenger and Google Talk which already allowed us to make PC-to-PC VoIP calls, Windows Live Messenger’s VoIP supports call to any mobile or fixed line telephones as well, thus allows us to make affordable domestic and international calls. To me, this serves exactly the same as Skype, isn’t it?

As for the File Sharing feature, a Sharing Folder will be created by simply dragging files onto a contact name in Messenger regardless of any document type, may it be your personal photos, assignments or zip files. This Sharing Folder is synchronized all the time with the person you are sharing with. That means any time a file in the folder is added, modified, or deleted, the changes is instant to both parties.

From both the features found in the forthcoming Kahuna and Windows Live Messenger, I realized that Microsoft is trying to bring the same user experience from desktop to web service, considering the Sharing Folder in Windows Live Messenger and Outlook kind of interface in Kahuna. What a smart strategy to retain the customer base by utilizing their dominance in desktop operating system.

By the way, Microsoft has silently put all of their beta services into one page, which they name it as Windows Live Ideas. From here, you can sign up as beta tester for Kahuna and experience the brand new look of the coming Hotmail. There are some other beta services for you to have a glance before they launch it sooner or later.

Enjoy.