Windows Live Messenger 2009 Beta 2 Released, Mac Version Update Soon

Article by George Norman (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 22 Dec 2008

Microsoft has recently updated Windows Live Essentials and with the update the Redmond giant also released a new version of their IM client, Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) Beta 2, getting that much closer to RTW (release to web) status. In related news, it seems that the Mac version of Windows Live Messenger will receive an important update early next year, update which includes AV (audio video) support.

With Windows Live Messenger 9.0 build 14.0.8050.1202 has made some modifications to the visual aspect of the login screen and to the user interface and graphics. Going beneath the cosmetic augmentations, it must also be said that under the hood Microsoft has addressed some 200 bugs that plagued its IM client.

“About three months ago, we released public betas of the Windows Live Essentials – our suite of downloadable programs for your Windows PC, including Messenger, Mail, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, Writer, Toolbar, and Family Safety. We’re getting very close to the final release. But before we get there, we’re refreshing the beta versions one more time to make sure we’ve ironed out all the kinks. We’re working hard to get the final versions ready to go as soon as possible, says the Windows Live development team.

The list of features in Windows Live Messenger 2009, build 14.0.8050.1202 is quite long, but here are the features that caught my eye:
- The sign-in screen and the user interface got a face lift. There is also a new program/tray icon, the mail icon now better displays the number of new mails, and the Group window header has been enhanced. The What’s new are has been expanded to feature more details.
- The sharing folders feature has been replaced with SkyDrive.
- You can assign signature sound to any contact in your list.
- WebCam Picture replaces Webcam snapshots; Dynamic Picture refers to the tile with moods feature.
- The number of default Scenes has been increased.
- Windows 7 Jumplists.

As of 2009, people using Windows Live Messenger for Mac will be able to audio and video chat, just like you can do now in Gmail Chat. The IM client will receive additional updates as well, but details on said updates are not available at this point. If you would rather use a different IM client on your recently updated Mac OS X 10.5.6, then perhaps you might want to check out AIM for Mac.

If you would like to get Windows Live Messenger 2009, a download location is available here.
If you would like to the Windows Live Messenger for Mac, a download location is available here.


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