Download Miranda IM 0.7.0 Preview Release 1

The people behind Miranda IM have released the first version of the 0.7.0 branch through a preview release released. The preview release is available from this page downloaded as a zip file or installation package. Miranda IM can connect to the networks of AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo, Jabber and IRC by default. More networks and functionality can be added using plugins, such as a spam filter, extra configuration options, integration with other software and customizing the interface. The developers have not disclosed what exactly has changed in Miranda IM 0.7.0, but according to Forage, “after 36 test builds, there has been quite a bit more improvement than just full UTF-8 support.” For example, the structure of the database in which contact data is stored has been changed, and the back-end has been rewritten:

Miranda IM v0.7.0 Preview Release #1 is now available. This preview release is meant for TESTING PURPOSES ONLY. Due to major changes in the database structure, it is HIGHLY recommended that you backup your database before installing. The preview release cycle is meant to address any outstanding issues before any final release to the public. Any feedback you can provide is greatly appreciated.

This release implements an entirely rewritten back-end to improve internationalization support. It is therefore highly recommended to run DBTool and use the new “Convert old Unicode messages to UTF8″feature. Also note that some plugins are no longer compatible with this release and onwards and will not be loaded by the core. Please contact the author of these plugins requesting they be updated.