Microsoft releases beta of V-Chat

Microsoft has released the first beta of a new avatar-based chat program called V-Chat. Here's the official word:

"Microsoft V-Chat is a multi-user social chat client that lets peoplecommunication online from within a 2D or 3D multimedia environment usinggraphical representations of themselves known as avatars. V-Chat avatarshave a full range of gestures that allow users to fully express themselvesonline. V-Chat enables users to select from a wide variety of existing avatars, or create custom avatars using the V-Chat Avatar Wizard. Sounds,animations, and visual imagery create mood and context for these graphicalsocial environments. V-Chat environments have personality and dynamism,bringing new life to chat."

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Microsoft V-Chat