This helps reduce stress on individual joints. ![]() Other extension grabbers have triggers that you operate with multiple fingers. If you have arthritis in your fingers, neuropathy, or other hand strength challenges, this type of trigger could cause you pain. Basic extension grabbers have a trigger that you activate with your thumb and index finger. One trigger style may be better suited for you than another. Trigger styleĭifferent grabbers have different trigger styles. It’s also important to be realistic about whether you can safely manage the weight of the grabber and the weight of the item you’re lifting. While clothing and keys are light, many cans, bottles, and tools have some heft to them. Some grabbers have weight limits of five pounds or less others can handle as much as 10 pounds. Key considerations Weight limitīefore you buy an extension grabber, think about the size and weight of items you’ll be lifting. Many people use them for activities like roadside trash cleanup and putting up Christmas lights. When you’re ready to buy, be sure to check our recommendations for the best extension grabbers on the market.Įxtension grabbers aren’t just for those with mobility challenges. Which one would serve you best? Keep reading to learn more. Most extension grabbers are made of lightweight aluminum, but they come in a variety of lengths, and some are specialized for different tasks. The pincer grip of an extension grabber mimics the work of an opposable thumb and index finger or a closing hand, making it unbelievably handy. Extension grabbers can reduce your reliance on unstable step stools and save you from having to get down on the floor. ![]() Some are designed for heavy-duty tasks, as well. You can use one to reach an item on a high shelf or keys that have fallen on the floor. The convenient flashlight clip also serves as a clip for extra Stick-N-Seal Traps (10 included) for easy access to more traps, on the GO.An extension grabber can give individuals with mobility challenges - and those without them - access to objects outside their normal reach without taking risks with their balance.Įxtension grabbers are long, slender tools that can be used to increase your reach by as much as three feet. The Scorpion Bug Grabber holds the adhesive traps so you can smash the pest, fold the trap over (ensuring to trap the bug if it's still kicking), and drop the trap in the trash, for a safe, no-stress, easy-to-use solution to almost any insect invader in your home, all while staying 3 ft. There is also a very convenient flashlight clip so you can hunt at night and find scorpions with a Scorpion Master UV Black-light (flashlight sold separately). This amazing product is effective for many of the insects that invade your home including: roaches, crickets, earwigs, spiders, ants, and almost any other crawling bug. The Scorpion Bug Grabber Story: Invented in Arizona to combat the formidable bark scorpion, the unique Stick-N-Seal Traps along with the Scorpion Bug Grabber give you the ability to capture a scorpion or any bug off the or wall seal it within the adhesive trap- and dispose of it, all with just one hand while maintaining a safe 36 in. reach, you will never have to get near the bugs again. Great for roaches, spiders, crickets, ants, and more. Scorpion Bug Grabber- Capture, kill and dispose of scorpions.
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![]() However, like with any other type of bank account, you also want to make sure that there are few, if any, maintenance fees (to avoid cutting into your interest earnings).įDIC or NCUA insurance is also a must, which protects your money if your bank or credit union should fail (bankruptcy or insolvency). Given that the main selling point of a high-yield savings account is its higher interest rate, a high APY should be the main factor to consider when shopping around. Receive instant approval or, in some cases, wait for confirmation from the bank via email or regular mail.Agree to terms and conditions after reviewing check for fees and specifics on rates.Enter personal information, such as full name, address, driver’s license or government-issued ID, phone number and where your deposits will come from (e.g., transfers from other accounts, direct deposits, mobile deposits) as requested.Apply online, by phone or, if the bank has brick-and-mortar branches, in person.These limitations are not the same for every high-yield savings account and some online and traditional banks do allow you to order checks or request a debit card to allow easier access to your funds. This type of account also limits the ways in which you can access your money, so you’re less likely to stray from your savings goals. How does a high-yield savings account work?īy offering a higher interest rate than traditional savings accounts, high-yield savings accounts help you grow your money in a shorter span of time. When it comes to saving, a higher interest rate means a better return on your money. High-yield savings accounts, also known as high-interest rate savings accounts, are bank accounts that earn you higher APY than a traditional savings account. Read on to learn about high-yield savings accounts, from how they work to which features to look for when choosing an account. High-yield savings accounts are relatively easy to understand, but they share many characteristics with other bank products. Why Synchrony Bank didn’t make the cut: The APY Synchrony offers is on par with what’s currently available elsewhere, but other financial institutions are offering higher APYs. There’s no minimum deposit to open the account, and no monthly fees are charged. ![]() Synchrony Bank, an online-only bank, offers a solid high-yield savings option.
![]() You’ll know when the squash is done when you can easily insert a fork in the flesh. You want it tender, yet not mushy.If you’re roasting more than one squash, I would recommend the oven for the best texture and the ability to cook several squash at a time. It cooks in almost half the time as the oven and the taste and texture are almost identical to the squash cooked in the oven. Best overall: if you’re only cooking one acorn squash, I’d recommend the air fryer.It’s tender, with a slightly crispy, caramelized texture on the top layer of squash. The texture of acorn squash cooked in both of these appliances is very similar. Best texture: it’s a tie, between the air fryer and oven.If you’re in a hurry, this is the method I’d recommend. Fastest: the microwave only takes 8 minutes to cook a whole acorn squash, making it the fastest method.Roast in a preheated 400☏ oven for 35-45 minutes.Follow the instructions above to prepare the squash, then place it cut side up on a foil-lined baking sheet.Season and dig in, or use in your favorite acorn squash recipe. Use a fork to remove the seeds from the middle of the squash. Remove from the microwave and slice in half from root to stem.Microwave for 4 minutes, use tongs or an oven mitt to flip the squash over on the plate. Place the squash on a microwave-safe plate.Use a fork to poke holes all over the squash to release steam as it cooks in the microwave.After you’ve followed the steps above to prepare the squash, place it cut side up in an air fryer.Other seasonings can also be added at this time. Brush the flesh of the squash with olive oil, then season with salt.Use a fork to remove the seeds from the middle of the squash.The skin on acorn squash is very thin so it’s much easier to cut than other squash, like spaghetti squash. ![]() Cut the acorn squash in half from stem to root.If the squash you have is smaller or larger, you may have to adjust the cooking times either up or down. If cooking the squash in the microwave, you’ll want to keep it whole and follow the directions in the next section.Įach of these methods were tested using an average size squash, 1 ½ – 2 pounds in size. If cooking the acorn squash in the oven or an air fryer, follow these steps to prepare the squash before roasting. What’s the best way to cook acorn squash.No matter how you serve it, you’re going to fall in love with this delicious variety of squash! It’s easy enough to prepare it in the microwave, oven, or air fryer to be served as a side dish, or as part of a recipe.ĭress it up with a variety of seasonings and toppings, blend it into soups, top salads, incorporate it into casseroles or stuff it with extra veggies or roasted meats. The dark green skin surrounds a beautiful orange flesh that is filled with fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium making it a nutritious choice! The perfect mix of savory and sweet, acorn squash should definitely be part of your fall and winter menus! It’s a type of gourd that is related to pumpkins, butternut squash and zucchini. It’s delicious stuffed with other roasted veggies, pureed into soup or simply seasoned and served as a side dish. Learn how to cook acorn squash with this easy step-by-step guide! Acorn squash can be roasted in the oven, in an air fryer or cooked quickly in the microwave. ![]() ![]() Lithium-ion battery (LiB) technology represents the next generation of forklift efficiency, and experts say that LiB market share in electric forklifts will grow significantly over the next five years. It is estimated that lead acid batteries power 90 percent of electric forklifts in operation.īut a new player has emerged on the scene in recent years and is revolutionizing the way some companies do business. Lead acid batteries have been a capable solution for years, and they continue to dominate the market today. Electric forklifts now make up 70 percent of total sales, and with increasing demand for electric power comes a need to provide a solution that provides all of the benefit of IC without a loss in productivity. For more information, please refer to risk factors discussed in Company's periodic filings with the SEC.As environmental concerns and fluctuating oil prices continue to push consumers toward alternatives to traditional internal combustion (IC) engines, forklift operations have increasingly looked toward electric vehicle solutions over the last decade.Ĭustomers are now buying far more electric forklifts than those powered by IC engines. These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by independent parties and by the Company. In addition, projections, assumptions and estimates of its future performance and the future performance of the industries in which it operates are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors. The Company has not independently verified the statistical and other industry data generated by independent parties and contained in this presentation and, accordingly, it cannot guarantee their accuracy or completeness. This data involves several assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to such estimates. ![]() This presentation also contains estimates and other statistical data made by independent parties and by the Company relating to market size and growth and other industry data. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this presentation. Also, these forward-looking statements represent the Company's estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this presentation. The Company has based these forward-looking statements largely on its current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that it believes may affect its business, financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," anticipates," "could," "intends," "target," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "aims," "predicts," "potential," "seeks," attempts," "poised" or "continues" or the negative of these terms or These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this presentation, including statements as to the Company's future results of operations and financial position, planned products and services, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. This presentation contains forward-looking statements. ![]() Subscription(s) are required to access certain content. Virtual remote is available through the Google TV app for Android and iOS. To see personal photos, Google Photos required.Ĭasting optimized for selected services only. Mirror Mac display to TV and stream local videos. Here’s how to connect Mac to Chromecast: Connect Chromecast to your TV using the HDMI port on the back of your TV. How to set up Chromecast on Mac Setting up Chromecast is really simple. Chromecast for laptop, chromecast extension. Items you need to stream to Chromecast from Mac: Google Chromecast device MacBook with Google Chrome app installed TV with HDMI port Wi-Fi router. To view content in 4K, a 4K-capable TV and reliable broadband internet connection are also required.Īccess to the Google TV kids section requires that your child have either a Google account or profile managed with Family Link. Chromecast free download - DivX, JustStream, and many more programs. Minimum OS requirements are available at g.co/cast/req. This can be done by downloading a screen mirroring app on your iPhone. Press the designated button on the Remote Control and make sure the Television display changes to the selected HDMI Port. To access or edit your watchlist you must be signed into your Google Account.Ĭhromecast with Google TV requires a TV with an HDMI port, a Wi-Fi network, a Google Account, a nearby electrical outlet, and a compatible mobile device. Some latest iOS devices and a few brands of Windows and Mac computers come with. Gta 5 for mac.Note: On most Remote Controls you can change the Input Source by pressing Input or Source button. Subscription(s) required to access certain live TV content. Live TV recommendations available in the US only. For best performance, we recommend a high-speed connection with upload and download speeds of at least 15 Mbps. Some apps and/or content may not be available in all countries. Some features and availability may vary by OEM and/or device manufacturer. Some features and devices may not be available in all countries. To access Google TV and its features, a Google account, internet connection and a compatible streaming device, smart TV, or smartphone is required. The discovered video will be shown below the browser. Just navigate to your favorite website and send the embedded video with a single tap to your Chromecast. You can either set it up on an iOS device by downloading the Chromecast app, or on a PC or Mac by using Google Chrome as your web browser and visiting the Chromecast setup page. ![]() ☬ompatible smart device(s) and an internet connection is required to access smart home features. With Video & TV Cast you can browse through the web and stream any online video on your Chromecast (movies, tv shows, sports, music and more). The additional premium features will create an optimal user experience that you can mold completely to your liking.¹Google TV has the most free TV channels in one electronic programming guide (EPG). Plus, it lets you create a screenshots gallery for easy reference of videos. And it works not only with Chromecast, but also Roku, AirPlay and other devices. It’s also got a great feature that lets you open videos from major streaming sites, simply by copying and pasting the URL into the player for HD playback. Not only does this best media player for Mac allow you to stream files and playlists in their initial formats, it will also transcode them in case of any compatibility problems with the target platform (most likely, your TV). This feature is only available if you will use the Google Home Application on your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet, or the corresponding Mac emulation. ![]() When you cast MP4 to Chromecast, it’s useful to have Elmedia Player PRO ($19.95). Chrome is faster than fast its engineered. All of this ensures that you can make full use of movies and TV on your massive TV straight from your Mac laptop. Laptop and mobile device, displaying the home page. MPEG, AVI, FLV, SWF, WMV, MOV, MKV, MP4, M4V - this is just a fraction of the massive list of supported formats, without any need for codecs. Up until 2010, such a technology was unheard of but in 2010 Apple came up with Apple TV, a device that was capable of streaming video and audio to a TV screen. It allows unprecedented customization, while preserving simplicity and ease of use. Tutorials What started as a way to stream audio to TV using AirTunes and AirPlay in 2004 has changed into what we today know as casting video to TV screens. Step 2- Click the blue download button to download Chromecast dmg. Step 1- Open Google Chrome browser and go here. There are many ways to stream to Chromecast from Mac, but Elmedia Player is at the top of the list. How to install Google Chromecast on MacOS. Stream Local Videos to Chromecast Using Elmedia Player ![]() You arrange the included samples of drums, basses, guitars and keyboard sounds simply using drag and & drop or by playing software instruments with your computer's keyboard. In its range of sound editing tools, Music Maker offers an extensive collection of professional effects including EQ, compressor, reverb, distortion and more.Īnd if you feel like getting even more creative: With Music Maker, you can also make your own music. The mixer helps you to achieve balanced volume. You can also combine several audio files and either cut them one after the other or play them at the same time. It offers extremely user-friendly editing features, for example when shortening the beginning or the end of an audio file, removing disturbing parts or fading audio in and out (fades). The basic version of the software is free and can be used indefinitely. That's why we recommend Music Maker, a comprehensive music software for windows, instead. Most of the time, however, the workflows are not very intuitive and you have to use several apps to perform the various tasks. There are a number of free audio editing apps that handle such tasks fairly well. With a well-adjusted reverb, a recording can sound as if it was made on a large stage, in a church, or in a basement. A compressor provides balanced volume ratios and makes a recording seem louder overall. Using an equalizer, you can boost certain frequency ranges to increase speech clarity in a recording, for example. The most important tasks in audio editing are cutting audio files and enhancing the sound with effects, for example, equalizer, compressor, or reverb. With the right software, your PC can become a powerful audio editing program capable of recording studio quality, creating your own recordings or producing music. To export only a portion of the arrangement, set the playback range over the desired passage and activate ""Only export the area between the start and end markers" option in the export dialog. Export your music as a WAV or OGG file in the "File" menu.Additional effects can be added to entire tracks or the overall mix using the mixer, which can be opened using the "M" key. reverb, echo, EQ, distortion or a filter. Further edit the audio file using individual object effects, e.g.You may compress and stretch any audio object using its edges to restore any parts you accidentally removed.The upper object handles can be used to fade the object in and out. For precise editing, use the object edges. The unnecessary parts can be deleted from the track and the remaining sections should be moved together. Move the playback marker to positions where you want to make a cut and press the "T" key at each position. Simply drag & drop it by moving it onto any track to the left. To load audio files, open to the File manager from the menu under "View" > "Window" > "File manager" and import the audio files you would like to edit.Download Music Maker Free, install the free program and start a new project. ![]() "I want to produce my own music, but don't know how to cut and edit my audio recordings." Keep reading to learn everything you need to produce music. ![]() In case you have other methods that help solve this error, do not hesitate to share it with us.Brief : Article covers details about the error Could not get lock /var/lib/dpkg/lock while installing an application. Terminating these processes or removing the lock file can help solve this problem. This is the lock issue that prevents other processes from executing these installation commands. We have provided two methods to deal with a rather common problem faced by many users on Ubuntu and similar distros when they run apt or apt-get. Sudo rm /var/cache/apt/archives/lock sudo rm /var/lib/dpkg/lock Conclusion You may also have to delete the lock file in the cache directory by running the commands: You can now remove the lock file with the command: Go ahead and run the kill command below : If one of these commands returns a result, it will display the process id that owns the lock file. The output might look like the following : Lsof /var/lib/dpkg/lock lsof /var/lib/apt/lists/lock lsof /var/cache/apt/archives/lock In order to identify the process that owns the lock file, we will use the command lsof as shown below : This is because it is not good practice to remove the lock file without terminating the program that’s holding the lock first, since this could interrupt an ongoing installation or cause corruption. Since the lock files are still around, we should first make sure no other process is using it before removing it. ![]() In case you had no other processes running apt or apt-get commands in your current session, then the problem might be caused by the lock file that was created at some time in the past due for instance to apt processes not terminated properly. Sudo killall apt apt-get 2 – Remove the lock file In your case, just plug in the process id that you obtained above.Īnother alternative would be to kill all instances of the programs that are running apt or apt-get using killall: We will now kill this process in order to release the lock using the sudo command below: The id of the process which invokes apt or apt-get is displayed above. To kill the processes that are using the apt tool, run the command below: manipulating the package database, the package database will become inconsistent or in other words corrupted. Killing a dpkg process however might not be a good idea, since if dpkg is currently active. Read : How to install and uninstall applications on Ubuntu A Beginner’s guide It won’t actually harm to kill an apt or aptitude process unless it is currently performing a package installation. Some applications like Synaptic Package Manager or Ubuntu Software Center are using this package management utility. Since this is a locking situation, it could be that the aptor apt-get commands are being used by some other processes preventing therefore other programs from using them. This error can occur due to several reasons. 1 – Identify and kill all apt or apt-get related processes ![]() In this article we will shall provide some effective methods to get rid of this kind of errors. ![]() Other users might encounter similar ones like : Sometimes when users try to install an application by executing the usual apt command on Ubuntu, they get the following error:Įrror: Could not get lock /var/lib/dpkg/lock-frontend ![]() I guess I still have those Cherry Blossoms on my mind, because I decided to decorate my lanterns with some pale pink vellum flowers. What I loved the most about these paper lanterns was that they were white and a perfect base for embellishing. Radiant 400 Lantern 400-Lumen LED Camping Lantern. They come in a 16 foot string of ten lanterns and sell for only 9.99. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup plus free shipping on orders. 572-Lumen LED Rechargeable Camping Lantern (Battery Included) Model LP1530. Paper Lanterns can be hung on our outdoor Commercial String Lights, Lamp Cord Kits, C7 and C9 Globe String Lights and matched to Holiday or Table Decor. Shop Target for lantern paper lamps you will love at great low prices. ![]() ![]() Lunar New Year Party Decor / Supply Trio Target. Mix-and-match different sizes ranging from 4" all the way to giant 42" xl paper lanterns to match your Rustic Chic, Barn, American, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Indian Wedding themes or your kid's room, Baby Room or Nursery. Three Red Black Paper Grad Graduation Chinese Lanterns Party Decorations. We offer over 1600 different combinations of colors and styles with White Paper Lanterns being the most popular. PaperLanternStore hand-crafts our own Paper Lanterns, so we can assure you our products are of the best quality. These Decorative Round Paper Lanterns are a great, budget-friendly DIY choice that can be hung anywhere with the included Paper Lanterns.html" target="_blank" style="target-new: tab ">Remote Controlled LED Lantern Lights for your Wedding, birthday party or celebration. Paper Lanterns, or traditional Chinese Lanterns, are the perfect decorating idea for those looking for that unique style and stunningly beautiful ambiance. 99.98 More options from 29.99 Seekfunning 24' Moravian Glossy Gold Multi-Point Paper Star Lantern Lamp, Hanging Decoration1-Piece 3+ day shipping Sponsored 278.86 More options from 44.86 4Pack LED Lighted Jack O Lantern Indoor Outdoor Halloween Large Pumpkin Decors 1 3+ day shipping Sponsored 46. Ports of call include Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand Singapore Bali (Benoa) and Komodo, Indonesia Darwin, Cairns, Airlie Beach, and Brisbane, Australia. On January 16, 2017, Norwegian Star will sail a 21-day Southeast Asia and Australia itinerary from Hong Kong, China to Sydney, Australia. Guests who sail on the ship's 14-day Southeast Asia itinerary from Hong Kong on Decemwill celebrate the holidays with calls in Kaohsiung, Taiwan Hanoi (Ha Long Bay), Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam Sihanoukville, Cambodia an overnight stay in Bangkok (Laem Chabang) and a day visit to Ko Samui, Thailand and Singapore. Norwegian Star's 11-day Southeast Asia itineraries departing from Singapore on Decemand Janufeature ports of call in Ko Samui and an overnight in Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) and Nha Trang, Vietnam Sanya and Hong Kong, China. Throughout December 2016 and January 2017, Norwegian Star will do a series of 11- and 14-day sailings in Southeast Asia, departing from Singapore and Hong Kong respectively. ![]() Additional ports of call include Fujairah and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Muscat and Khasab, Oman Colombo, Sri Lanka Phuket, Thailand Penang, Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia and Singapore. On November 20, 2016, Norwegian Star will sail a 21-day Journey to the East from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Singapore, featuring the brand's first visit to India with an overnight in Mumbai and stops in Goa (Mormugao), Mangalore and Kochi (Cochin). After her journey through the Western Mediterranean, Norwegian Star will depart on Octofrom Istanbul on the brand's first voyage to the Gulf region through the Suez Canal for a 20-day Eastern Mediterranean and The Gulf itinerary with stops in Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey Rhodes, Greece overnight in Haifa, Israel Port Said, Sharm El Sheikh and Safaga, Egypt Aqaba, Jordan Salalah and Muscat, Oman and an overnight in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Norwegian Star will continue to spend her summer 2016 months cruising the Baltic Capitals from Copenhagen, Denmark. In the fall of 2016, Norwegian Cruise Line will cruise to the Far East for the first time since fall/winter 2001-2002, with the recently renovated Norwegian Star sailing to the region for several unique itineraries that also feature first-ever visits to The Gulf and India. "Norwegian is taking guests to their dream destinations, where they can indulge in new tastes, new cultures and new experiences, along with the flexibility to unpack once and the freedom to explore many distinct destinations during one vacation-of-a-lifetime." "We are truly excited to offer these incredible new itineraries to our guests, who now have the opportunity to explore areas of the globe that we haven't called on in many years and some that we've never before visited," said Andy Stuart, Norwegian's president and chief operating officer. Caribbean sailings will open on August 19 and all other destinations on August 24. Norwegian's new itineraries will be available for booking later this month. ![]() In addition, Norwegian Jade will now sail seasonally in the winter months from Tampa to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, while Norwegian Jewel will sail two new 14-day Panama Canal sailings from Los Angeles and Miami in February 2016 and two in February 2017. Norwegian Spirit will return to homeport in Europe year-round, sailing through the Eastern and Western Mediterranean with departures from Barcelona, Istanbul and Venice. Exploring South America by sea will now be more accessible than ever with Norwegian, with a number of itineraries ranging in length from seven to 20 nights, with embarkations in Buenos Aires, Argentina Santiago (Valparaiso), Chile and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Norwegian Epic will continue to spend her summers in Europe and return to the US in the fall as Norwegian's newest and largest ship to homeport in Port Canaveral, offering three-, four- and seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries. Norwegian offers guests new destinations and new ports to choose from in 20, including cruises to Asia onboard Norwegian Star, with itineraries departing from Istanbul, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney and Auckland-marking the line's return to the Asia and Australia regions for the first time since Norwegian Wind Fall/Winter 2001-2002 and first-ever visits to The Gulf and India. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ - Norwegian Cruise Line today announced exciting and exotic new itineraries for the brand's Fall/Winter 2016/2017 deployment, bringing the world to guests who want to explore new sights while experiencing the freedom and flexibility that only Norwegian Cruise Line can offer. ![]() Microsoft continued to build out its messaging client over the next several years, slowly but surely adding new UI elements and functionality like the ability to customize chat windows and facilitate file transfers between users. Microsoft backed off, and instead ended up partnering with another major player. AOL blocked it again, and this back-and-forth battle reportedly went on 21 more times before AOL threatened to inject malicious code into MSN's network. Microsoft countered with an update that made MSN Messenger Service self-identify as AIM. Microsoft's app identified as "MSN Messenger Version 1.0," so Bosco and company tweaked AIM to cut the connection whenever this version tried to link up to its network. Needless to say, AOL was not thrilled.Īs former AOL engineer Eric Bosco recounts, any messenger service that connected to AIM's network was required to provide a version type. Right out of the gate, it caught the attention of rival AOL seeing as Microsoft had coded MSN Messenger Service to be able to chat with AIM account holders. Version 1.0 of MSN Messenger Service shipped with a Spartan feature set including plain text messaging and a basic contact list. Even Yahoo's messaging client beat Microsoft's to market by over a year, but as Microsoft proved, you don't have to be first to reach the top.Ī key decision at the time was Microsoft's integration with Hotmail, leveraging the sheer popularity of the web email service owned by the company, to offer those millions of users the ability of instant communication. Microsoft's entry launched on July 22, 1999, which was already late considering ICQ had been around for nearly three years and AOL had followed with AIM in the spring of 1997. E-mail was a popular method of communication among those with access to a computer, but it lacked the real-time feel that makes in-person conversation so appealing.įor that, you needed an instant messaging program, and when the mainstream Internet movement really started to take root, there were four major competitors jockeying for position: AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, Yahoo! Messenger and Microsoft's MSN Messenger. ![]() Texting was still in its infancy as very few people actually owned mobile phones at that point. It was the late 90s and social media platforms like MySpace and Facebook didn't yet exist. |