This post comes from Sean over at MessengerMad.com

A lot of talk about MSN Messenger 8 has been flowing from news sites lately, and we have just received more information on it from some VIP. There is now a URL in which you may sign up for the MSN Messenger 8 BETA. The site is not yet active, but the input form SEEMS to work. And the URL is: http://www4.imagine-msn.com/minisites/messenger/default.aspx?locale=en-us

We have also been told that the BETA has been targeted to start mid-November. We will be reporting a lot more MSN Messenger 8 stories over the next few weeks (Including MSN Circles!).

(On a side note v3 developement is coming along greatly. Subscribers to see RC1 soon)

Source
Link to Beta
MsnDiscussion.com