Windows only: The next upgrade of Windows Live Messenger has been leaked from a “private” beta for 5,000 users (surprising?) and is available for downloading—at least until Microsoft decides too many people are hitting their servers. The beta of Live Messenger 9 shows off some decently cool features, including the ability to log on from multiple locations without annoying warning messages, setting up “signature sounds” that broadcast to those you’re chatting, spam reporting, and a generally less-cluttered interface. The full version isn’t due out until late 2008 or early 2009, so more additions are sure to come. Windows Live Messenger 9 beta is a free download (while it lasts) and works on Windows XP and Vista.
Windows Live Messenger 9 (beta) [via Ars Technica]Windows/Mac: If you’re a heavy Flickr user or just have a huge batch of photos to post up, the latest beta version of the photo sharing site’s official upload software might do the trick. The 3.0 beta has a revamped interface and title/tag/description editing, but the unique features are the photo set editing and the ability to start labelling on another photo while the last batch is uploading. The Flickr Uploader 3.0 beta is a free download for Windows and Mac systems. Those not fond of beta installations can get much of the same functionality with jUploadr, but the Flickr Uploader looks like it’s going to be a slicker solution when finished.
Flickr Uploader 3.0 Beta [Flickr forum via Download Squad]All platforms: Firefox 3, the next version of everyone’s favourite cross-platform browser, has released a public beta for early adopters, web developers and other curious souls. New features include a Places Organizer for bookmarks and saved searches, a plug-in manager for the likes of Flash, Java and other helpers, and many more improvements and changes. Like any beta, there are still a few bugs to be smoothed out, and none of my extensions from Firefox 2 worked in this version. Still, it’s an interesting look ahead at what browsing will look like in a few months. Firefox 3 Beta 1 is a free download for Windows, Mac and Linux.
Firefox 3 Beta 1 [via Mozilla Feedhouse]Windows Mobile 5 & 6 only: Free open source media player MPlayer, long known to Linux fans for its format friendliness and streamlined operation, has been ported in somewhat rough fashion to Windows Mobile-powered smartphones. While that means formats like RealAudio/Video, Ogg, M4A and others are playable, users are reporting that the program is a monster when it comes to processor use (which also makes it a battery killer) and has only the most basic “open file” functionality. But if you’ve got a low-quality file or a powerful phone, it could make for a nifty toy to play with until it gets fixed. MPlayer is a free download for Windows Mobile 5 and 6 phones only.
Mplayer port for Windows Mobile [via Download Squad]Windows/Linux: Popular, free virtualization software VMWare has released a beta of its next Server platform, which allows users to run other operating systems inside their own. The 2.0 beta adds support for running on Windows Vista Business and Ultimate editions, Ubuntu 7.04 and 7.10, and other systems, as well as a new browser-based interface and better support for USB devices. A somewhat-helpful PDF user guide is available at the download site, but I’m waiting for a handy step-by-step guide to come along before diving in too deep in Linux (I unfortunately have only Vista Home Premium at the moment). If you managed to get 2.0 up and running, share your experiences in the comments. VMWare Server 2.0 Beta is a free download for Windows and Linux systems.
VMWare Server 2.0 Beta [via eWeek]Windows only: Open source personal finance software GnuCash has made the leap to the thumb drive realm, making it easier to keep your financial data consistent across computers—at least Windows computers, anyways. Like its Windows/Linux desktop sibling, GnuCash Portable is still beta and a bit rough around the edges, but offers importing from Quicken and other proprietary formats and integrates with the PortableApps Suite, making it a nice addition to the host of mobile tools you can fit on one inexpensive thumb drive. GnuCash Portable is a free download and requires Windows to launch.
GnuCash Portable [via Download Squad]Windows/Mac/Linux (All platforms): There are tonnes of great instant messaging applications available, but one nagging problem in the IM world is that there’s no great, fully cross-platform chat app (unless you count Meebo). Free, open source application Instantbird aims to do for chat what Firefox does for the browser. Based on the same tools used to create Firefox and Thunderbird, Instantbird should ultimately be just as extensible as the former—which means IM customisation will be as simple as installing a Firefox extension. Right now Instantbird connects to virtually any IM network and supports a tabbed chat interface. Beyond that, the application is still very barebones, but its upcoming features are very exciting.
