The build was apparently leaked to the website Messenger Adictos by a Microsoft MVP who managed to get hold of it as it was being distributed to Microsoft employees. Messenger Adictos then compressed the installer inside their own branded installer, to gain publicity, which you can download at their website.
The main changes in the build are obviously the UI and the installer which are so clear when you download and install it that I feel no need to talk about here. The other main change is apparently "reinforced security" including integration with Windows Live OneCare and Windows Live Family Safety.
The leaked build is in Spanish but you can download the English language dll here, or according to mess.be "you can copy the old language file ("msglang.dll") of Windows Live Messenger 8.1.0178 over the new one ("msglang.8.5.1235.0517.dll"). Note that the installation directory has also been changed to "C:/Program Files/Windows Live/Messenger" making the transition from MSN Messenger to Windows Live Messenger complete".
You can make Messenger Plus! Live work with it by following MenthiX's instructions at MsgHelp, however you should note that Messenger Plus! Lives chat logging no longer seems to work (as reported here). You can also make most of the StuffPlug features work by moving the msacm32.dll file (located in the old MSN Messenger folder) into the new Windows Live/Messenger folder.
I find it important to note the reliability of the build. Although it is well known that the Messenger team are working the next milestone (version 9) they are known to work on builds that are two or three versions away from the next release. Apparently this leaked build is an internal beta of the next version of Messenger which will be 8.5, an interim release. There was talk of there not being a version 8.5 at all and that this version was just a skin, however the changes in the installer and the interface, both of which seem to be to match the look of other Windows Live software such as Windows Live Writer and Windows Live Mail, and the fact that the installer is digitally signed by Microsoft seem to point to an official 8.5 beta coming soon, even if it is just to prepare us for version 9.
Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5 public beta (US English) (link updated) Download the English language dll for Windows Live Messenger 8.5 leaked beta View screenshot 1 View screenshot 2 View screenshot 3 View screenshot 4 View screenshot 5
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Thanks for posting MenthiX
Some screenshots i made when i was submitting this news to mess.be (they didn't post mine). Its in Spanish because i didn't apply the language patch yet at that point, but shows 81. and 8.5 side to side
MsgStuff PWNS =D
Copy msgimg32.dll from the old folder (Program Files/MSN Messenger) to the new folder (Program Files/Windows Live/Messenger) and restart.
There are many many bugs and stuff that doesn't work from Plus! when you do this, but scripts seem to be fully functional, as is the Plus! 6th anniversary contest.
Copy msacm32.dll from your C:/Program Files/MSN Messenger folder to the new Live Messenger folder (C:/Program Files/Windows Live/Messenger) =D
Some bugs though...
Copy and Paste... Smileys... : P ...etc [-_-]
Admin Note: Fixed.
'Messenger Plus! does work on this version, just copy msimg32.dll from C:/Program Files/MSN Messenger to C:/Program Files/Windows Live/Messenger and restart Messenger. msimg32.dll is a file added by Messenger Plus! which makes sure Plus! loads when Messenger is started.'
Found some bugs on the Sharing Folders, and with the MP!L coulours in conversations.
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