Version 8.5
[edit] Beta 1
On May 27, 2007, LiveSide reported a leaked build of Windows Live Messenger 8.5, available in Spanish[11]. The English beta build was later released on May 31, 2007[1] to the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, India, France, Japan, Germany, China and Spain. An update was released on June 21, 2007, to test updates being installed by Microsoft Update.
Major changes and additions include:
* This version now requires Windows XP SP2, compared to previous versions requiring Windows XP SP1.
* In conjunction with the release of Windows Live 2.0, a new setup program was introduced.
* It is now installed to a 'Windows Live' folder in the drive where Windows is installed, and the shortcuts are placed in a 'Windows Live' folder in the Start Menu.
* All Messenger windows have a new look.[12]
* A new 'bunny' emoticon has been added.[13]
* Windows Live OneCare Family Safety integration was added.[14]
* Updates can now be downloaded and installed through Microsoft Update, beginning with the update to version 8.5 Beta 1 or later.
[edit] Beta 2
The second beta was released on September 5, 2007[15] Several issues were fixed on Beta 2 but no significant changes were applied. Compared with the first Beta, the current build does not say "beta" on the top of the window, although developers have noted that the current build is not the final release. It is notable that the new Windows Live Installer, which is used to install Windows Live Messenger 8.5, does not run on Windows Server 2003.
[edit] Final version
The final version of Windows Live Messenger 8.5 was released on November 6, 2007.