Microsoft today released Windows Live Messenger, available at http://get.live.com/messenger/overview (direct download link, one of the first of more than 20 new Windows Live services to launch globally over the course of the year.

Features of Windows Live Messenger include the following:

• Video Call - The free, synchronized audio and video service in Windows Live Messenger
• Windows Live Call with Verizon Web Calling service.
• Cordless phones designed exclusively for Windows Live Messenger - Uniden America Corp. and Philips recently introduced phones that make the Windows Live Call feature for Windows Live Messenger available in North America and Europe.
• Microsoft LifeCams optimized for Windows Live Messenger - Microsoft Hardware and the Windows Live services group announced last week a line of webcams that are designed for use with Windows Live Messenger.
• Sharing Folders - Now sharing is as easy as dragging and dropping a file. Customers can more easily share their files and personal photos with family, friends and colleagues on their Windows Live Messenger Contact List.
• Windows Live Contacts - Contact information is always current with Windows Live Contacts in Windows Live Messenger.
• Integration with Windows Live services - Windows Live Messenger integrates with other Windows Live services such as Windows Live Search, Windows Live Local, Windows Live Mail and MSN Spaces.