One of the earliest and most famous MSN offerings is Hotmail. There is hardly anyone on the planet that has not heard, or at some point owned, one of these free email accounts. The online matchmaking services enjoy the ability to have interested couples exchange email addresses, yet until the advent of the free Hotmail account many users were a bit hesitant to give out their home email addresses. After all, it is one thing to allow someone access via an account that can be cancelled at any time without having to reroute large groups of friends and family, while it is a lot more daunting to permit a stranger to come into your home via your home email account. One problem could have been the fact that home email accounts are often viewed by more than one user, while a Hotmail account ensures complete password protected privacy.
Of course, there is much more to MSN than a simple Hotmail account. What was once known as MSN Messenger is now entitled Windows Live Messenger and quite possible Cupid's strongest arrow in the quiver! Online matchmakers are now able to encourage their subscribers to get to know each other via instant messaging. There is more to this feature than simply chatting; instead, files - such as photos - can be exchanged. If the relationship progresses to a stage where a more personal contact is desired, PC to PC phone calls will ensure that the first phone contact is still semi-private yet not too invasive. For those who are not as hesitant to give out personal telephone numbers, the Messenger service also permits for PC to phone calls.
Among the MSN services of greatest interest to Cupid and his helpers is without a doubt MSN Mobile, the service that permits access to various MSN sites via a cellular phone. While this not only permits users to check their Hotmail account, it will also permit them to use MSN Messenger to chat with other users. Couples who meet via an online matchmaking service no do not have to wait until they have computer access, but instead can chat at any time of the day or night.
It is not surprising that online dating has become such a huge industry; after all, with all the technological developments - which are in great part due to MSN's innovations - individuals are now able to communicate and get up close and personal without invading each other's space and perhaps getting too close. Still preserving some distance, couples can test each other out to see how personal they want to get before handing out home telephone numbers, email addresses, or even home addresses! After all, the stranger on the other side of the computer screen is still a stranger - even if he or she is nice looking and sounds good over the PC.