There has been a lot of activity around the Messenger world in the past week regarding Windows Live Messenger 9.0. Internal builds are ready and are indeed being passed around to the internal beta team. Included in this alpha version of WLM 9.0, are new API components. We've been told that there is a new UI that millions of users requested when Windows Live Messenger 8.0 was released worldwide.
This new API includes some very neat Vista sidebar gadgets, such as a contact and their status. Clicking on the docked contact would allow you to open a chat, drag text, drag-and-drop files, images, and music automatically. A Messenger Lite version with no more than 600 lines of code but includes many features that Windows Live Messenger 8.0 has.
A release date has not been announced, but thanks to Paul we've been told that Windows Live Messenger 9.0 should reach managed beta phase by early December to late December.
Check back for updates and more exclusive information!
This new API includes some very neat Vista sidebar gadgets, such as a contact and their status. Clicking on the docked contact would allow you to open a chat, drag text, drag-and-drop files, images, and music automatically. A Messenger Lite version with no more than 600 lines of code but includes many features that Windows Live Messenger 8.0 has.
A release date has not been announced, but thanks to Paul we've been told that Windows Live Messenger 9.0 should reach managed beta phase by early December to late December.
Check back for updates and more exclusive information!
For most users, Windows Live Messenger is an excellent piece of software, serving a common purpose: communicating. It gets a bit buggy a few times, blocks your connections for an unknown reason, decides to lose a few message here and there, but still makes you very happy when it actually does work, which is almost always lately.
Now I certainly do not want my first post to show a biased side of me (I am a proud user of Windows Live Messenger, and have been for as long as I can remember using a computer). Yet, anyone who's ever looked around at other IM software, such as Google Talk, Yahoo! Messenger, GAIM or Skype (well, it does have a chat feature) know that the software has something that is somehow wrong.
Some blame the new Installer (which I do believe will win the Grammy for 'worst setup process' of the year), other mention the software being bloated with useless features (I can't say I don't agree) and several others hold the buggy code responsible for it (people do believe that it's what's inside that counts).
My point of view is a bit different, I do believe everything mentioned above does help the software being way less desirable (don't you kids go thinking dirty now), but something else 'bugs' me (yes, I see the irony of the chosen words right there).
I think it all has to do with the features which are wrongly integrated in the software. Don't get me wrong, a lot of them have a good purpose (at least to me) but they seem to have been thrown in there in such a rush, that no planning, analysis or just common thinking efforts were used to develop the ideas.
Take for example the chat logging feature, which has been there for as long as I can remember (I might not be that old, but that still means a several number of years). To this day, chat logging is still put up in the simplest way, allowing no emoticon saving, no encryption possible, no management what's so ever of the logging and barely a color/font reproduction. I'd also mention the design of the chat log page to be simply unpleasant, but it's not that important to me (again, it's what's inside that counts).
Exporting/Importing a list of contacts also joins my list of disappointingly coded features; the idea is brilliant but actually letting us select who we want to be in the new list would've been way better. Allowing people to create lists of contacts for work, social events and being able to distribute it without the hassle of opening the file with notepad and editing it manually would be something that I'd consider essential in such a feature.
The 'add nickname' feature is also poorly implemented, although it does what you want it to do hence change the user's original nickname to one you chose, there is no way to know (unless you right click and look manually at the e-mail) which contact is who (something that could be useful when having a friend with two e-mail accounts, or just two friends sharing the same name).
Another instance of this situation could is the contact's details as it's called. The idea of keeping personal information private or not, depending of who sees it is very well thought, but it gets to be such a hassle to give permission to each of your contacts who decided wanted your phone number. Not to mention that the Space to Messenger update is most of the time not only late, but very buggy. Creating some kind of business card which you could send to the contacts you want would be perfect, and easier to manage.
A lot of other features and options could be mentioned, making this Windows Live Messenger’s biggest problem (at least by me): not fixing/developing what is present in the software, yet keeping on implementing other new features.
Now I should probably apologize for not only forgetting to introduce myself earlier, but also for putting you to sleep during this essay. My name's albert, and I’m a new msgstuff poster, and I’ll be looking forward to your comments.
Till the next news, see you at the forums.
Now I certainly do not want my first post to show a biased side of me (I am a proud user of Windows Live Messenger, and have been for as long as I can remember using a computer). Yet, anyone who's ever looked around at other IM software, such as Google Talk, Yahoo! Messenger, GAIM or Skype (well, it does have a chat feature) know that the software has something that is somehow wrong.
Some blame the new Installer (which I do believe will win the Grammy for 'worst setup process' of the year), other mention the software being bloated with useless features (I can't say I don't agree) and several others hold the buggy code responsible for it (people do believe that it's what's inside that counts).
My point of view is a bit different, I do believe everything mentioned above does help the software being way less desirable (don't you kids go thinking dirty now), but something else 'bugs' me (yes, I see the irony of the chosen words right there).
I think it all has to do with the features which are wrongly integrated in the software. Don't get me wrong, a lot of them have a good purpose (at least to me) but they seem to have been thrown in there in such a rush, that no planning, analysis or just common thinking efforts were used to develop the ideas.
Take for example the chat logging feature, which has been there for as long as I can remember (I might not be that old, but that still means a several number of years). To this day, chat logging is still put up in the simplest way, allowing no emoticon saving, no encryption possible, no management what's so ever of the logging and barely a color/font reproduction. I'd also mention the design of the chat log page to be simply unpleasant, but it's not that important to me (again, it's what's inside that counts).
Exporting/Importing a list of contacts also joins my list of disappointingly coded features; the idea is brilliant but actually letting us select who we want to be in the new list would've been way better. Allowing people to create lists of contacts for work, social events and being able to distribute it without the hassle of opening the file with notepad and editing it manually would be something that I'd consider essential in such a feature.
The 'add nickname' feature is also poorly implemented, although it does what you want it to do hence change the user's original nickname to one you chose, there is no way to know (unless you right click and look manually at the e-mail) which contact is who (something that could be useful when having a friend with two e-mail accounts, or just two friends sharing the same name).
Another instance of this situation could is the contact's details as it's called. The idea of keeping personal information private or not, depending of who sees it is very well thought, but it gets to be such a hassle to give permission to each of your contacts who decided wanted your phone number. Not to mention that the Space to Messenger update is most of the time not only late, but very buggy. Creating some kind of business card which you could send to the contacts you want would be perfect, and easier to manage.
A lot of other features and options could be mentioned, making this Windows Live Messenger’s biggest problem (at least by me): not fixing/developing what is present in the software, yet keeping on implementing other new features.
Now I should probably apologize for not only forgetting to introduce myself earlier, but also for putting you to sleep during this essay. My name's albert, and I’m a new msgstuff poster, and I’ll be looking forward to your comments.
Till the next news, see you at the forums.
Looks like this piece of news is a few days old, but nevertheless I'll post it anyway. The new Windows Live Messenger 8.5 beta build released last week, which was believed to contain minor bug fixes and tempt Messenger users into using the new Windows Live Installer actually has significant improvements to video calling:
I want small improvements like this to be applied all over Windows Live Messenger. You all must have a pet hate feature that you find horrible to use (adding emoticons or sending files to a contact for example). I've also noticed the Messenger team are blogging a lot more and there appears to be some new faces.
Source: MessengerSays blog
My name is Aaron, and I'm a PM for the Messenger Voice, Video and Sounds team. We recently released an update to our earlier 8.5 Beta (which Jason pointed out earlier) that has many improvements to video call, especially on Vista. If you've occasionally run into audio jitter or noise in a Video Call, our latest version should help. We also improved echo support and a small issue with the volume sliders.
I want small improvements like this to be applied all over Windows Live Messenger. You all must have a pet hate feature that you find horrible to use (adding emoticons or sending files to a contact for example). I've also noticed the Messenger team are blogging a lot more and there appears to be some new faces.
Source: MessengerSays blogIn follow up to yesterday's news, Windows Live Installer has been released and comes with the installation of Windows Live Messenger 8.5 beta 2 (build 8.5.1288).
So what's new? Well nothing really noticeable, just bug fixes according to the offical Messenger blog. Nevertheless, the build is just really to attract users to the new installer as there is no separate download at the moment, unless you download the files below. Here are some facts about the update:
Personally, beta is still bloated and annoying to use for me. All my settings have been modified and I'm finding more and more annoying little bugs. If this is what the finished product will be I'm sticking with 8.1. I'm sure these will be addressed by the final release though.
View our pictures of Windows Live Installer
Download Windows Live Suite Installer
Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1288 (English) (Mirror)
Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1288 (Spanish)
Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1288 (Dutch)
Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1288 (Arabic)
So what's new? Well nothing really noticeable, just bug fixes according to the offical Messenger blog. Nevertheless, the build is just really to attract users to the new installer as there is no separate download at the moment, unless you download the files below. Here are some facts about the update:
- Windows Live Installer has come under very heavy criticism, all comments tend to be negative, I believe a lot of this comes down to the speed and ease of use of the program.
- It is not compatible with x64 editions of Windows. Unless you try this hack.
- A-Patch and Mess Patch have been updated to work with the new Windows Live Messenger beta.
- Messenger Plus! Live is fully compatible with the new build according to creator Patchou.
Personally, beta is still bloated and annoying to use for me. All my settings have been modified and I'm finding more and more annoying little bugs. If this is what the finished product will be I'm sticking with 8.1. I'm sure these will be addressed by the final release though.
View our pictures of Windows Live Installer Download Windows Live Suite Installer Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1288 (English) (Mirror) Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1288 (Spanish) Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1288 (Dutch) Download Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1288 (Arabic)... or 'what Windows Live 'wave 2' means for Windows Live Messenger'.
Let's face it. So far Windows Live hasn't been a complete success: branding confusion and lack of direction. The next generation (aka Windows Live "wave 2" - it being the next "wave" of products to be released) aims to turn that around and add some structure to the impressive collection of products that make up Windows Live.
This is being done with a "software plus services" (S+S) strategy. The web-based products are the services and the downloadable programs are the software that link in with a variety of the services, creating a more unified and integrated experience. For example, Windows Live Mail is the software where Windows Live Hotmail is the service, and the new Windows Live Folders service will be partly linked with a revamped version of the Windows Live FolderShare program.
But when did this site turn back into the Windows Live newsreel of syndication that it once was back when I had more time? It didn't, so onwards to the Messenger-related info ...
The next version of Windows Live Messenger, 8.5, will be released as part of "wave 2" sometime this summer or autumn (fall), the main change it brings with it being a new interface as we and the beta release have already shown you.
However the build number and UI are not the only changes. As with most Messenger releases the program has been "optimised" as have the sign-in times (which, at least in my case, are much quicker). Also, the installer has been changed to the new "Windows Live suite" installer which is much friendlier to use and installs into a 'Program Files/Windows Live/Messenger' folder. As well as this the new installer allows Messenger to be updated using Microsoft Update, as we have already seen. This means that in the future Messenger will be able to automatically update itself to the latest version and that update downloads will not be so big as the whole setup does not have to be downloaded again.
Windows Live "wave 2" will also bring some less obvious changes to Windows Live Messenger. First of all you will (finally) be able to get an @live email addresses to use as your Messenger account amongst other things. You will also probably start to see @live contacts adding you to their contact lists as they update to new accounts too.
There will be more integration with other Windows Live products too. For example, if you have the Windows Live Mail software installed on your computer then all the links in Messenger that would have previously opened up Windows Live Hotmail in a new browser window will now open up Windows Live Mail instead. There are also going to be added safety features such as integration with Windows Live Family Safety and possibly Windows Live OneCare as well.
Then, as I have alreadyreported speculated, Windows Live Web Messenger is also due for release. It is even more likely now that we will see it as part of "wave 2" as it is surely the "service" component in the Messenger part of the S+S strategy, where Windows Live Messenger is the "software".
It looks like Windows Live is finally coming together and that us Messenger users will be among those to see the benefits. Stay tuned to our RSS feed for all the latest news and views over the summer!
Let's face it. So far Windows Live hasn't been a complete success: branding confusion and lack of direction. The next generation (aka Windows Live "wave 2" - it being the next "wave" of products to be released) aims to turn that around and add some structure to the impressive collection of products that make up Windows Live.
This is being done with a "software plus services" (S+S) strategy. The web-based products are the services and the downloadable programs are the software that link in with a variety of the services, creating a more unified and integrated experience. For example, Windows Live Mail is the software where Windows Live Hotmail is the service, and the new Windows Live Folders service will be partly linked with a revamped version of the Windows Live FolderShare program.
But when did this site turn back into the Windows Live newsreel of syndication that it once was back when I had more time? It didn't, so onwards to the Messenger-related info ...
The next version of Windows Live Messenger, 8.5, will be released as part of "wave 2" sometime this summer or autumn (fall), the main change it brings with it being a new interface as we and the beta release have already shown you.
However the build number and UI are not the only changes. As with most Messenger releases the program has been "optimised" as have the sign-in times (which, at least in my case, are much quicker). Also, the installer has been changed to the new "Windows Live suite" installer which is much friendlier to use and installs into a 'Program Files/Windows Live/Messenger' folder. As well as this the new installer allows Messenger to be updated using Microsoft Update, as we have already seen. This means that in the future Messenger will be able to automatically update itself to the latest version and that update downloads will not be so big as the whole setup does not have to be downloaded again.
Windows Live "wave 2" will also bring some less obvious changes to Windows Live Messenger. First of all you will (finally) be able to get an @live email addresses to use as your Messenger account amongst other things. You will also probably start to see @live contacts adding you to their contact lists as they update to new accounts too.
There will be more integration with other Windows Live products too. For example, if you have the Windows Live Mail software installed on your computer then all the links in Messenger that would have previously opened up Windows Live Hotmail in a new browser window will now open up Windows Live Mail instead. There are also going to be added safety features such as integration with Windows Live Family Safety and possibly Windows Live OneCare as well.
Then, as I have already
It looks like Windows Live is finally coming together and that us Messenger users will be among those to see the benefits. Stay tuned to our RSS feed for all the latest news and views over the summer!
A new beta build of Windows Live Messenger 8.5 has just been released, labelled as version 8.5.1238.0601.
So far it appears that this update is only available to existing 8.5 beta users through Windows/Microsoft Update as it has apparently only been made "to test how Microsoft Updates are distributed for Windows Live Messenger". Also there are apparently are no changes from the previous build.
The update is listed as "high priority" on Microsoft Update and is only 6.6MB in size, compared to the 18MB of the installer of the last build. This suggests that, in the future, Microsoft will be using QFE ("quick fix engineering" - aka a hotfix) patches to update Windows Live Messenger, as they did a few times for MSN Messenger 7.5.
Here are the details from Microsoft Update:
Patchou has said that the latest version of Messenger Plus! Live (4.23) is compatible with this new build.
So far it appears that this update is only available to existing 8.5 beta users through Windows/Microsoft Update as it has apparently only been made "to test how Microsoft Updates are distributed for Windows Live Messenger". Also there are apparently are no changes from the previous build.
The update is listed as "high priority" on Microsoft Update and is only 6.6MB in size, compared to the 18MB of the installer of the last build. This suggests that, in the future, Microsoft will be using QFE ("quick fix engineering" - aka a hotfix) patches to update Windows Live Messenger, as they did a few times for MSN Messenger 7.5.
Here are the details from Microsoft Update:
Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta 1 Update 1
Date last published: 6/21/2007
Download size: 6.6 MB
This update is being used to test how Microsoft Updates are distributed for Windows Live Messenger. While there are no actual changes to Messenger at this time, it's important for Messenger Beta testers to receive this update. Thanks for helping test Messenger!
System Requirements
Recommended CPU: Not specified.
Recommended memory: Not specified.
Recommended hard disk space: Not specified.
How to Uninstall
This software update can be removed via Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel.
Get help and support
http://support.live.com/default.aspx?productkey=wlmessenger
More information
http://get.live.com/betas/messenger_betas
Patchou has said that the latest version of Messenger Plus! Live (4.23) is compatible with this new build.
The leaked Windows Live Messenger 8.5 beta that seemed to have got a bit of attention this week (bringing down our site with the amount of downloads it had) has now been released as an official public beta.
MessengerSays mentions nothing on the leak, but talks about the build. You could question the release, most MVP's and interns believed 9.0 was the only version in development. The build no longer supports machines running anything older than Windows XP SP2, and finally moves settings into a new directory (Program Files/Windows Live/Messenger), which is creating problems for 3rd party addons.
Messenger Plus! Live will have an update to support the new beta soon, however there are problems where Plus! installs itself (if you re-install WLM, Plus! may no longer hook correctly because it is installed in a different directory).
I just want to note the public beta is no different than the leak of the other day. If you're having trouble installing the new beta, read this (apparently there are a few issues with the new installer).
Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (English/UK)
Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (English/US)
Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (English/India)
Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (French/France)
Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (German)
Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (Spanish/US)
Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (Spanish/Spain)
Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (Chinese [Simplified])
Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (Japanese)
MessengerSays mentions nothing on the leak, but talks about the build. You could question the release, most MVP's and interns believed 9.0 was the only version in development. The build no longer supports machines running anything older than Windows XP SP2, and finally moves settings into a new directory (Program Files/Windows Live/Messenger), which is creating problems for 3rd party addons.
Messenger Plus! Live will have an update to support the new beta soon, however there are problems where Plus! installs itself (if you re-install WLM, Plus! may no longer hook correctly because it is installed in a different directory).
I just want to note the public beta is no different than the leak of the other day. If you're having trouble installing the new beta, read this (apparently there are a few issues with the new installer).
Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (English/UK) Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (English/US) Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (English/India) Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (French/France) Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (German) Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (Spanish/US) Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (Spanish/Spain) Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (Chinese [Simplified]) Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta (Japanese)We all seem to have missed this when it was first leaked on Wednesday but what is apparently a beta of the next version of Windows Live Messenger, branded version 8.5.1235.0517, is now out in the wild.
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
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 5I'm not talking about using a web messenger on your Xbox, I'm talking about full integration between Windows Live Messenger and Microsoft's hit second generation gaming console.
I've stumped upon a leaked video showing various new features for Xbox Live. It looks like full integration for Windows Live Messenger is coming. Features include:
However, I'm a little annoyed. Microsoft really need to expand their target audience here. Sure this is all great if you only use Microsoft products, but what about Skype or Yahoo! Messenger users owning a Xbox 360, you have left them out. Start expanding the market guys, you need to realise that making features for other clients is the future. Integration between other companies is key.
Source: Team Xbox
I've stumped upon a leaked video showing various new features for Xbox Live. It looks like full integration for Windows Live Messenger is coming. Features include:
- Add up to 600 Windows Live Messenger contacts to your Xbox Live's Friends List.
- Basic text chat functionality with Windows Live Messenger users. Audio and video might be in the works.
- You'll be able to chat with up to 6 friends online while playing games or watching movies.
- Your Windows Live Messenger contacts will know which games you are playing, as well as your gamertag.
- You'll see your Friends status, whether they are playing a game or Online on Windows Live Messenger.
However, I'm a little annoyed. Microsoft really need to expand their target audience here. Sure this is all great if you only use Microsoft products, but what about Skype or Yahoo! Messenger users owning a Xbox 360, you have left them out. Start expanding the market guys, you need to realise that making features for other clients is the future. Integration between other companies is key.
Source: Team XboxPrompt to upgrade goes widespread, but is it still wrong?
on Sat 10 Feb 2007 (16:48 GMT) (1642 views)
on Sat 10 Feb 2007 (16:48 GMT) (1642 views)
According to Marty at the Windows Live Messenger team blog (MessengerSays) anyone using a version of Windows Live Messenger (either a version 8 or a 8.1 beta) will now be prompted to update when they sign in.
Last week we reported how people using previous 8.1 beta version we being prompted to update, but the updates were wrong and stated that a new BETA version was available - not the final version.
Judging by a screenshot posted with the blog post at MessengerSays it appears that this error still exists. This is understandable if the text for the update checker is coded into the program (all though it means that the programmers probably didn't think that the next version after the last 8.1 beta would be a final version) but if the text is retrieved from a remote server then this is a careless error, and could very well affect current version 8 users and tell them to upgrade to what they think is a beta, which they may refuse to do.
In the same blog post Marty says that the final version of WLM 8.1 has been downloaded over 60 million times, and that the download rate is continuing to increase, probably mainly due to update prompts.
Since Thursday all users of Windows Live Messenger 8 or an 8.1 beta should be getting an upgrade toast on sign in that tells them of the availability of the final version of 8.1, and over the next month they will be widening the update to all MSN Messenger and Windows Live Messenger users running Windows XP or Vista.
(... and in case you were wondering, yes - news is slow at the moment)
Source: MessengerSays blog post
Last week we reported how people using previous 8.1 beta version we being prompted to update, but the updates were wrong and stated that a new BETA version was available - not the final version.
Judging by a screenshot posted with the blog post at MessengerSays it appears that this error still exists. This is understandable if the text for the update checker is coded into the program (all though it means that the programmers probably didn't think that the next version after the last 8.1 beta would be a final version) but if the text is retrieved from a remote server then this is a careless error, and could very well affect current version 8 users and tell them to upgrade to what they think is a beta, which they may refuse to do.
In the same blog post Marty says that the final version of WLM 8.1 has been downloaded over 60 million times, and that the download rate is continuing to increase, probably mainly due to update prompts.
Since Thursday all users of Windows Live Messenger 8 or an 8.1 beta should be getting an upgrade toast on sign in that tells them of the availability of the final version of 8.1, and over the next month they will be widening the update to all MSN Messenger and Windows Live Messenger users running Windows XP or Vista.
(... and in case you were wondering, yes - news is slow at the moment)
Source: MessengerSays blog post
Messenger Stuff