The New Yahoo! (Messenger that is)

filed under Instant Messaging · 4 comments in the original

A few days ago, Yahoo! released an updated version of its Messenger product. Generally speaking, I do not use Yahoo! IM, or any specific IM client as I prefer to work with tools like Trillian so the announcement slid past me. Yesterday, an old friend and fellow developer IMed me to rave about the many changes to the new messenger and to bless their virtues. Naturally, I was intrigued so I installed it and set up an account to test it with.

After installing the app and using it for an hour or so, I've discovered many very interesting features worthy of mention. There are many new and features added to the mix, however it the most compelling cluster in the Digital Identity and Privacy domains.

Digital Identity Management

Before anyone gets annoyed, I will clarify that there is more than one aspect to Digital Identity, the authentication (business) side that is negotiated between servers and software and the representation (personal) side that is exchanged between individuals. Yahoo! Messenger has added some interesting "toys" to the mix.

Public Profiles - Yahoo! has added the ability to create and associate multiple (5 maximum) profiles with your individual account. Unfortunately, I tried to create a new profile but consistently received an error that the profile name was taken (profiles are give a short reference name). For anyone that read my review of LemonTonic might recall the introduction of Private Keys. In essence, this provides a broader arrangement where unique values can be applied to all aspects of the profile as opposed to simply fenching off a special area. Unfortunately, the profile itself is nothing more than an elongated contact sheet that provides minimal personal information (perhaps on purpose).
Display Images - Yahoo! introduced 2 new forms of visual representation for the member. The "Share My Picture" option allows users to select an image from their local machine to represent them as their "icon". This icon can optionally be toggled to display in other members' contact lists.
Yahoo! Avatars - These Flash-based characters can be styled in a number of different ways to get a close approximation of your likeness (my avatar could pass for me). Avatars are interesting since they not only mimic your actual or desired appearance but also provide ways for you to extend your personality via clothing, accessories, and even pets. Lastly, the avatars are minimally animated, giving the appearance that they are "alive"

Privacy

Yahoo! has seemingly become increasingly aware that the simple designations of Online and Away are simply not enough to represent our states of mind. More importantly, they've also now started to better represent some of the more nuanced aspects of the relationships we hold with others (and their proclivity for fluctuation). Privacy has taken a front seat in this release.

Public Profiles - This is worth mentioning one more time. The availability of multiple profiles allows we me to control HOW other people perceive me.
All Fields Optional - By allowing users to fill in as much or as little as they wish, they make the process of hiding something extremely easy for the end user - if it's not there no one can see it.
Adult Content - A special designation has been added to public profiles that allows the member to specify adult content. This extends the abilit to upload photographs while also shielding the content from minors. It would be nice to see the Private Key concept applied here.
Stealth Mode and Invisibility - From the sign-in, members can choose to sign in using Invisible mode which prevents anyone from seeing them. Additionally, Stealth Settings can be applied per member that allows certain members or groups to see you as Online, Offline (Invisible), or Permanently Offline (which seems to be like what I call Anti-Buddy mode). Ironically, signing in using Invisible mode erases these settings.

In addition, the usual flurry of collaboration devices such as Audio IM, Video IM, Conferencing, File Sharing, and something new called Audibles (Flash-based, audio-enabled emoticons on steroids) are all available for users to interact with. Overall, the Yahoo! Messenger has come a long way and seems to be making great strides towards something even better.