Time to look for an alternative Messenger client
A flurry of activity on Modaco yesterday highlighted that users of Microsoft's Windows Live Mobile Messenger were being prompted by a 30 day trial message which read:
"Hello! Starting today, your 30 day trial period begins. By selecting OK you acknowledge that your use of Windows Live services continues to be subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement. Data charges from your mobile operator, including roaming fees may apply for using Windows Live services. At the conclusion of this trial, you will be given the option to purchase a 30 day pass."
Users of the Mobile Messenger software were receiving the prompt on various devices and as expected, a lengthy discussion ensued. The key question on the tip of everyone's tongue: "Are we going to have to pay to use it?"
LiveSide.net has today obtained the answer to the question direct from Microsoft. In short, the answer is yes. Matt Champagne, Director of Windows Live Mobile Services had this to say:
"This week we rolled out a direct-to-consumer billing service for the Windows Live client on Nokia S60 in the UK and Sweden. Although we are considering doing the same at a future time for Windows Mobile, this has not been implemented – however, something happened and many of you saw a trial message on Windows Mobile devices. Windows Mobile customers shouldn’t have received any notifications of a 30-day trial and we are working as quickly as possible to correct this.
As you may know, we offer Messenger services through mobile operators on lots of handsets, not just Windows Mobile. Traditionally, customers have been billed by their mobile operators for many of these services, either directly or through their data package."
Microsoft also confirmed that the cost would be approximately €2 and that billing would roll-out throughout Europe in the coming months.
So, it seems Symbian users are going to have to pay to use Windows Live Mobile Messenger in the very near future, and Windows Mobile users could indeed follow. That is, unless you seek out a free alternative.
