MSN Messenger Live Beta out, will it be blocked by Etisalat in the UAE?
It’s called MSN version 8.0 or Windows Live Messenger and can be downloaded from here. The design reminds me of Yahoo, the beta is restricted to “by invite only” and the required reboot after install is just another typical Microsoft “feature” that we all so like, don’t we? Anyways, the new features finally look like proper collaboration: [...]
It’s called MSN version 8.0 or Windows Live Messenger and can be downloaded from here.
The design reminds me of Yahoo, the beta is restricted to “by invite only” and the required reboot after install is just another typical Microsoft “feature” that we all so like, don’t we?
Anyways, the new features finally look like proper collaboration: File sharing via synchronised directories between you and your buddy and voice calls to land lines/mobile will create some competition to Skype which is blocked in the UAE.
Would be intersting to see Microsoft moving out of Dubai Media City after Etisalat (or TECOM, the new provider in the UAE) trying to block MSN Messenger in the UAE in the near future? Hey - that is worth a discussion, so folks, leave your comments here!
comments
dotone
February 14th, 2006 at 4:02 pmIt’s amusing how the game got faster, keeping users really confused. I myself ain’t no IM fan but gotta’ communicate anyways.
Windows Live Messenger is off-the-hook! File Sharing is just something we always wanned for team-collaboration instead of FTPs and emailing attachments or using web-based collaboration tools that just suck.
Calling land-lines and mobiles? I’m not so sure this would be something doable in UAE. Nah, man come on! even SMSing is blocked on MSN untill now. Not forgetting how Skype got blocked. Whatever happens, in my opinion MSN Live would not be blocked but may be a port of services such as calls to land/mobile lines would be some how negotiated with MSN to limit for users in UAE the same way GOOGLE-video banns UAE surfers from buying NBA videos(gotta’ watch games at 4,5 AM, poor me) due to some broadcasting clashes with UAE right-holders of the NBA games.
Seriously, If Live Messenger goes public and TECOM or Etisalat don’t ban this service; are you ever gonna’ use ur land line ever again? Seriouly I woldnt! In a way this might be one of the reasons other nations are more advanced! Spending less on Comm means more Comm, which indeed means better work, better social live.
Khalidah - Jeeran Advertising
February 21st, 2006 at 8:48 amI think everything is banned in UAE when it comes to Etisalat and the World Wide Web … never figured out what the reason was though!!
Many users in UAE are now masters in bypassing the proxy and are surfing the net freely and as they wish, but still every time a new service or feature is available for global users, the protection and scurity measures enforced in UAE get tighter … unbalanced equation if you ask me
Nice blog by the way
Martin Diessner
February 21st, 2006 at 12:06 pmThanks for the note!
I agree - they are spending way too much money on proxy. I heard it might be 2-3$ per user annually - think about Etisalat claimed internet penetration of e.g. 50% of 3+ million users - that is 4.5 million US$ annually.
Yes, they do have enough $$$ but then it would be also worthwhile in spending this money on something that really helps. An update (in creative/technology/usability) of www.etisalat.ae would be a first step
Khalidah - The J Team
February 23rd, 2006 at 5:12 amYou are absolutely right Martin.
I did not have the slightest idea that they really spend that much for this; what is the big deal? Why are they enforcing the proxy policy in a country that almost everything is possible? We have seen the weirdest things take place in Dubai and you would think that this is not a Gulf state to begin with, so what’s with the double standard? What is so taboo about opening up the communication to everyone?
dotone
February 25th, 2006 at 7:46 amMartin,
You said:
Totaly agree with you! But I’m happy to see something hapening on the other end of Telecomm business in U.A.E. Check out DU’s website, fully addressing their brand, very readable and easy to use even for novices. You must’ve visited it but in case, check it out at WWW.DU.AE
You serious about the proxy spendings? what’s your reference on that? or is it just a word on streets
Cyntia
March 4th, 2006 at 6:05 pmHey guys and gals i was wondering if anyonoe could send me an invire for msn beta
Martin Diessner
March 5th, 2006 at 12:13 amSorry, , I ran out of credits just gave them away prior to the weekend, but I am sure someone else will. Martin
Randas
June 16th, 2006 at 3:47 pmHey guys,
my windows live messenger calling icon just disappeared! i simply no longer see it on messenger window or any where in the menus…. has anyone had this problem? and does anyone knoe how to bypass it?
Etisalt are P***ing me off!
Darius
December 20th, 2006 at 7:07 pmYou do not need to search for working free web proxies. All is here.
Find free web proxy for desired country!
All proxies are regulary checked if they still alive.
http://getproxy.emigrantas.com
enjoy it!
jibiwilson
May 15th, 2007 at 11:06 amits really nice to see the publication allows downloading the bete version of msn live messenger. But i dont understand why etisalat bans evey internet phone communications. if you have any idea about any other programs or softwares that allow free calling from a pc to a land or mobile for free hope you will let me know.