Revamped Yahoo Messenger: Now available on mobile, web and Yahoo mail

The new move by Yahoo looks like the latest rumors about Yahoo is right, Internet pioneer is considering selling its core business. Now Yahoo launched a next-generation messaging platform in an ambitious bid to steal a march on a crowded field.

Revamped Yahoo Messenger apps were released in English for smartphones or tablets powered by Apple or Android software, as were versions of the service tailored for use on the Web or on desktop computers also.

The updated instant messaging platform is replacing its predecessor in Yahoo�s free email service, which boasts 225 million monthly users.

Yahoo had never tried to do a Complete remake Yahoo Messenger since its launched, which was 17 years ago. Now Smartphone lifestyles have led to a booming trend of firing off digital missives or photos at nearly any opportunity.

Yahoo’s competitors are some well-established rivals such as WhatsApp, Snapchat, iMessenger and Facebook Messenger.

“Yahoo decided it was time to build a ground-up rewrite of the platform that was completely modern and prepares Yahoo to ship really disruptive innovative features,” Yahoo Messenger senior director of product management, Austin Shoemaker, said while giving AFP a look at the platform.

The new Revamped Yahoo Messenger service integrated features from Yahoo-owned Flickr, Tumblr, and Xobni, according to Shoemaker.

The ability to “unsend” comments or images was also added to Yahoo Messenger. Posts that are “unsent” vanish from conversation threads at the service.

“We are glad to be blending ephemeral messaging and persistent messaging in a novel way,” Shoemaker said.

“It’s way better than having no control at all.”

New Yahoo Messenger also lets people “mute” conversations to be spared from being bothered by notifications when they would rather focus their attention elsewhere.

Yahoo is smoothing the transition from the old to the new version of its messenger service, helping import contact lists and making sure people can connect with one another regardless of which they use.

The old version of Yahoo Messenger will be eventually phased out, according to Shoemaker.

He billed the redesigned service as a “solid foundation” for creatively weaving messaging into other Yahoo online properties, apps or services.

There were no immediate plans to monetize Yahoo Messenger. But, Shoemaker noted, such services are proven to attract and engage users, which should lead to opportunities for generating revenue.

“The messaging space has grown dramatically, yet people ultimately want a fast and easy way to communicate with each other,” said Yahoo senior vice president of engineering Jeff Bonforte.

“The new Yahoo Messenger was designed first and foremost to meet those needs.”