Sorry about the delay here guys, but some of you may already know that a new build of Windows Live Messenger was released two days ago. At first no noticeable changes were found, it just seemed the same, but over the last few days some details have come to light and I will try and sum them all up here.

A few weeks ago Fanatic Live reported of a security issue with how Windows Live Messenger stores passwords. It was shocking to know they were stored as plain text and any small program could steal them within seconds. The vulnerability has still not been fixed despite this issue needs to be fixed ASAP, once again Microsoft are looking bad and Windows Live Messenger seems to scream 'rushed'.

Fanatic Live also posted changes within the files. The installer dated back to July 29th and is 90KB larger (not much) and 10 files have been modified in some way. I think it is a bit sloppy how it took 11 days from the build being compiled to it being released. On another note the installer now includes the Windows Live Toolbar if you want to install it.

Like in every new build (as it seems) the sign in issue has been 'fixed' again. I have seen threads all over various messenger support forums saying they have issues signing in with the new build, so who knows what is going on. However, program manager Leah provided us with an explanation why messenger had sign in troubles on the MessengerSays blog. Apparently it had something to do with the length of your friendly name.

Also webcam video and sound quality have been improved. You can now see your contact's webcam in sharper picture and hear them more clearly which is a great change seeing as these features have not been touched in such a long time.

Messenger Plus! Live is also having issues with the new build. The Yahoo! integration problem has come back to some people probably suggesting some changes have happened in this build with the Yahoo! integration, but the Windows Live Messenger team have mentioned nothing about it. On a side note another Messenger Plus! Live build is coming soon (4.02) to contain various bug fixes. Patchou is taking it easy for a bit (I don't blame him) and then he will work on some new features.

In conclusion this build may seem like no changes have happened. However, some good source code improvements have been happening and hopefully the sign in error has been tackled for the final time, but I think it may come back to haunt us again.

Download Windows Live Messenger 8.0.0812
Download A-Patch for Windows Live Messenger 8.0.0812
View the MessengerSays blog post