When turned off, the MSN Companion displays a digital framed picture similar to a screen-saver that activates when a PC is in sleep mode. Users can customize the photo display with a digital photo from the Web. A small light on the device will illuminate when users have a new message in Hotmail, making it easy for them to keep up with their incoming mail. MSN Messenger Service. The MSN Companion supports a simplified version of MSN Messenger Service, Microsoft Corp.'s instant messaging service that enables users to hold private conversations over the Web in real time.
Users can easily add new entries to their address book by simply clicking on an e-mail address.
This feature is similar to that of Hotmail but has a simpler interface. The MSN Companion supports the functionality for auto-managed folders found in Hotmail, including Trash, Send, Inbox and Drafts folders. Rich Internet experience. The MSN Companion supports Microsoft ActiveX Controls, such as Windows Media Player and Macromedia Flash. Stability and reliability.