This is not from Microsoft, but it is a good news for iPhone firmware 2.0 users. We have AgileMessenger in the firmware 1.1.4, but it does not work under the latest firmware 2.0. We need to use the iPhone WebApp (e.g. Meebo, Beejive) to chat with our friends in Windows Live Messenger (MSN). It’s sluggish which makes you cannot chat with your friends happily.

Here is a solution. AppStore recently have a new program called “Palringo Instant Messenger”. It works just like AgileMessenger we had in 1.1.4, but this one runs in firmware 2.0. It supports MSN, Yahoo! Messenger, AOL, Google Talk and more. Since it is a native program running in firmware 2.0, the performance is very good.

It runs very smoothly. You won’t need to wait for loading the chat interface. It also supports multi-window chatting. That means you can chat with lots of friends at the same time, and switch to the coversations by swapping from left to right on the interface.

For the first time, you need to register a new account with Palringo. After that, you can edit and add the MSN or other services you want from the main interface. Click “P” (on the top toolbar), click edit, then click “add”. You can set your status now as seen below.

The program supports different languages including Asian characters. When you are chatting with friends, the program can show you the latest message received. It will vibrate and display a letter icon on the bottom left. Click it and a small menu will pop up. Choose to read the message.

Because the Apple SDK limitation, it cannot be run in background. It will try to keep the connection stay alive. It may quit suddenly. But, if it stays alive and receive a new message, you will be able to see it in the springboard. I highly recommend to install this program. You will be able to find it in the “Social Networking” category of AppStore right now.