What is YASS?

YASS is a combination of client and server applications that together, allow for the creation of an image based upon a user's IM status. Currently, the client is available only for users with both Windows Live Messenger and Messenger Plus! Live. If you are a developer, and want to make an addon for another IM client, check out the documentation.

YASS allows for the transmission and saving of your:

  • Display name
  • Personal message
  • Current media
  • Display picture

Up to 10 different image styles can be saved. Each style can be fully customized to suit your needs. If there's anything that you don't see, you can suggest it.

What kind of features does YASS have?

It's secure. YASS authenticates using a unique userid and passkey system that requires almost no interaction on part of the user. A userid is generated based upon a user's email address, and a passkey is created for each session. The old passkey is used to login, and a new key is issued at that time. If these two keys get mis-matched, a new key can be requested by the user, and is delivered by way of an instant message. When the message is received, the key is automatically updated.

It's fast. When something changes, it is sent to the server immediatly. No waiting for an update cycle. Exceptions to this rule are the display picture, which is checked every 30 seconds; and flood control does not permit for rapid changes in information.

It's customizable. Font faces, colours, locations, background images. You name it, you can change it. The YASS image editor allows each image to be fully customized as to how things should be layed out. Don't have the time or artistic appeal? No problem! Just load a pre-made template instead, and change it as necessary to suit your needs.

What does YASS need to run?

For the client program, Windows Live Messenger version 8.1 or higher and Messenger Plus! Live 4.23 or higher is required. A valid Windows Live ID is required to sign into Windows Live Messenger, and an account on a YASS server is needed.

To host a YASS server, PHP5 is needed, version 5.2.3 or higher preferred. A MySQL database is needed, version 3.23 or higher. The PHP GD and FreeType libraries are required for image creation. For the operation of the bot, socket connections need to be enabled, and outgoing connections are used on ports 443 and 1863.

Where can I get YASS?

YASS is still in development. The current version of the client, 0.9.78 is currently being released to the public as a Release Candidate. This means that it is ready for anyone to use, but there still may be some bugs that have not yet been found. This version can be found on the Download page.

The server files for the YASS package are still incomplete. Many administration functions must still be done by directly editing data in the database tables. That being said, what is included in the current package does work, and it works well. The latest public version can also be found on the download page.

Any bugs that are found can always be reported by creating a support ticket for the client or server. Suggestions and feedback are also welcome. Development for YASS can be tracked and updated versions can be found in the SubVersion repositories for each the client and server.