Microsofts MSN division has begun beta testing the next release of MSN Messenger, version 7.5.
The update brings a number of minor feature enhancements such as voice clips and animated conversation window backgrounds, along with interface tweaks including a redesigned sign-on screen and renamed buttons.
Voice clips enable users to record short messages that can last up to 15 seconds and are then played on a contacts computer.
Clips do not playback automatically; a user must select the Play button to listen. Both users must be running MSN Messenger 7.5 for the feature to work.
Animated conversation window backgrounds let users add some spice to their IM chats.