Windows Live Messenger 8 Build 689 is Released!

Build 689 is Released
We are happy to announce the release of build 0689 of the Windows Live Messenger Beta! We know you have all waited a long time for a refresh and are ready to provide feedback about the many changes and improvements we have made. Some of these changes include improvements to the color scheme and overall look and feel, Live Contacts, Messenger Add-ins, and Voice Call improvements. Click here for the Release Notes for build 689.

Here is some other important information about this release:

• Before installing, review the list of known issues with this build. Click here to view them or go to http://connect.microsoft.com/
• The download is available on both a public download site and on Connect. Feel free to download it from wherever is most convenient for you.
• Only provisioned accounts can sign into the beta. If you need to get an account provisioned you can do so by going to ideas.live.com.

New in this version

Color Scheme Improvements
In the previous beta build, when you changed your color scheme to a saturated color, Messenger showed a lighter version of that color. In this beta refresh, when you choose a saturated color, we use that color. Messenger can also automatically choose a color scheme that compliments a selected background.

Conversation Window History
Want a clean, sleek conversation window history area? You can now choose to only show Contact name says: in the conversation window history when the speaker changes.

Improved Audio Platform
Check out all the configuration options for sounds associated with Messenger events.

Live Contacts
Want the most up-to-date phone number or street address for your instant messaging contacts? Subscribe to their contact information with Windows Live Contacts and you’ll always have their most recent published information in your address book.

Messenger Add-ins
Ever wanted to update Messenger functionality yourself? Now you can develop, post, and download add-ins (software that you add to Messenger that provides extra features or functionality) that will chat with your contacts when you’re not available, automatically update your display picture and personal message, and more.

Updated Windows Live Look and Feel
We gave you the first peek at the Windows Live look for Messenger in February.  Since then, we’ve updated our status icons, the look of the main window and conversations windows, and more!

Download: Windows Live Messenger 8 Build 689