For a fast-growing segment of consumers, logging in to their instant message (IM) service is as much a part of their morning routine as pouring a cup of coffee or a bowl of cereal. With today’s launch of Microsoft Windows Live Messenger, the next generation of the MSN Messenger service used by 240 million people worldwide, the company aims to make this routine even more rewarding and versatile.

Windows Live Messenger is the first core, global service to launch of the more than 20 new services currently in testing for Windows Live, a set of personal Internet services and software designed to give users greater control over how they stay informed, connected and protected on the Web. Microsoft also launched its all-in-one PC care service, Windows Live OneCare, last month in the United States, and expects more services to release in the coming weeks and months. Other core Windows Live services in development include Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Spaces and Windows Live Search.

For an update on the Windows Live initiative and its importance to Microsoft, PressPass recently spoke with Martin Taylor, corporate vice president of Windows Live and MSN.