MSN Instant Messaging ProblIM

Here at TopTenREVIEWS we've been having some IM problems this morning (not the usual, awkward pictures), and from the sounds of it, we're not alone. We heard some speculation from one of our developers, who came in person to deliver the message. He even sent us some links on the problem the old fashioned way, through email.



We're still confused with what is actually causing the IM problem, but judging from Microsoft's recent track record, we're guessing it has something to do with new product rollout issues. With the Zune struggling to make sense of a leap year, Windows 7 giving McAfee the cold shoulder, and even a problem releasing the new OS, we can't help but deduce that the IM problem must be a similar oversight.

As far as Windows 7 is concerned, the original 2.5 million limit for the public beta test has been discarded, in hopes that eager folks trying to make the cutoff will take it easy and Microsoft servers won't crash again. The now limitless download opportunity will be available through January 24 (We suspect the torrent version will be available after that).

Back to IM, we hear that the real issue has something to do with MS servers changing the secret password and not telling Pidgin and Adium. We obviously didn't get the secret codeword update either, but our best guess is that it is some iteration of "protocol", "Libpurple", and the number 15.

Whilst your IT folks tinker around with protocols and you wait for an apology from Microsoft, here are a few blog posts you can read. If you see something you think your coworker might enjoy, shoot them an email or a paper airplane:

Ditch your Computer, Put Skype on your Phone

Asus Eee Keyboard Thingy Actually Kind of Cool, Has Decent Specs

Garmin Announces New Motorcycle Line of GPS Devices

Getting a Look at Allio, The First High Def LCD TV PC

Palm Pre Hands on (almost)