One thing about S60 that currently offers a really poor experience is the built-in IM client. Sure, there are 3rd party applications such as Slick IM, but they don’t offer much in terms of integration into the handset. However, many users have found the Windows Live messenger plugin for S60, which has been available for the Asian markets for a while now. This app shows up as a tab in the Contacts application and also allows you quick and easy access to your Hotmail account from your S60 handset.
Users here in the U.S. and in other countries, however, were left to hunt down the installation files for this, and it was overall a big pain, with some regions beginning to charge for this service, and just, ugh. Well, I’m glad to pass on the information that this Windows Live Messenger app has been added to the Download! client of most Eseries and Nseries handsets here in the U.S. I got the tip from the Eseries blog (which, after being dormant for a while, has picked back up and is a definite must-read) and verified that the app shows up in my Nokia N82′s Download! client. I wasn’t able to find it on the E90, though, so your experience may vary.
If you’re only using MSN to chat with your friends, this is hands-down the best client for that, but unfortunately it doesn’t tie into any other IM protocols. What are you using to chat on your unbranded S60 handset?
