I got an invitation to the new MSN Messenger Beta from my ex-colleague, Nicolas today. "They're on sale for 50 bucks on ebay, now. [so you better use it!]", he said. :)

Bitter things:

1. The email invitation and the "Download Now" web links don't work in firevox due to HREF placed outside the TD.
2. Why does it ask for a passport login before download?
3. The file size is big compared to the competitors' (11 MBs).
4. Slow logon.

Sweet things:

1. Easy set up process. Minimum questions asked.
2. Nice UI. I like the ability to change the color schemes.
3. Free videos on MSN live? Sweet!
4. Good job on the integration: Spaces, ebay, stock quotes, etc.
5. "Contact card" is a nice little option that used to be there before, but noone had a name for it.
6. Perhaps the coolest feature introduced in this version is the "Sharing Folders". Quickly share your files (documents, pictures, music, and videos) with your buddies.
7. Handwrite feature is a really nice idea (although I couldn't use it).

Things to add:

1. Photo album sharing ability. Drag and drop would be cool.
2. Integration with livemeeting. I would love to use it at work, if this feature is introduced.
3. Now that we have AJAX and Web 2.0 stuff, why can't there be a web version, independent of the platform/browser?
4. A must-to-have: IM to SMS and vice versa.
5. A cool feature would be message consolidation. Don't repeat the name of the sender, if consecutive messages received from one person.

An idea: the area between the conversation and where the user types a message is a very sensitive area in terms of the eye movement, i.e., a hot spot. If the messages go through a server, MSN servers can parse the message, find the context, and display relevant ads. I'm sure the CTR would be huge.

And, something Nicolas mentioned: add encarta@conversagent.com and ask any questions you want. A part of my conversation:

Ahmad: what is the capital of nevada?
Encarta: The capital of Nevada is Carson City.
Ahmad: capital of iran?
Encarta: The capital of Iran is Tehr.n.
Ahmad: how are you?
Encarta®: I'm doing well. How about you, Ahmad?
Ahmad: how old are you?
Encarta: I'm 6 months, 2 days, 12 hours, 43 minutes and 53 seconds old.
Ahmad: are you male or female?
Encarta: I am neither male nor female. I'm a robot.
Ahmad: where are you located?
Encarta: I live in Silicon Valley, California.

It would be cool, if it could answer this: "domino's near santa clara, ca". [hint to Conversagent.com guys]