Yahoo launches new web-based chat version of Messenger – so?

TechCrunch has an exclusive story about an evening launch of Yahoo's new web-based (browser) chat application. So now you can access Messenger from the browser. But in the grand scheme of things, why would I leave eBuddy or Meebo for this?

While the average Yahoo Messenger user has no idea about these other aggregation services for instant messaging, the smart Internet user would have no reason to switch. Or am I missing something?

Though for the average Internet user, this upgrade might prove great. You can use both Yahoo and MSN chat buddies within the Yahoo window. TechCrunch notes that the new browser version will be limited in functionality to begin with. From the screencapture it appears like a very basic chat window. I would like to see things like Mail, and other widgets as well. Let me customize what I want on this page and I can see more value added to it over the eBuddy/Meebo players.

There is a screencast of the new version available on the Yahoo site.

Unfortunately I am not on Yahoo's press list so these are all the details I have to share at this point. If a Yahoo is reading this, feel free to add me to your press list. I am now on the list!