Yahoo is launching a new version of its messenger service, offering free worldwide computer-to-computer phone calls, photo sharing and other tools. The internet giant said it was launching a test or beta version of the new messenger, which it said would provide an "all-encompassing, integrated communications experience". Yahoo said it was enhancing its voice telephony service "to allow consumers to far more easily call anywhere in the world for free through high-quality, PC-to-PC calling". The company will be challenging a number of other telecom and IT firms that offer free or low-cost calling via the internet using voice over internet protocol (VoIP). For Yahoo, customers need an internet connection and a headset or a microphone and speakers. "For the first time, voicemail messages can be left for friends who are away from their desks or offline, and can be easily retrieved," Yahoo said in a statement. Yahoo said a free download of Yahoo Messenger would be available in 18 localised versions for Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Germany, Korea, Mexico, Spain, South Asia, Taiwan, Britain, the United States and its "Yahoo en Espanol" service.