WLM 9.0 BETA

It was bound to happen: a Thai blog called n-blue has posted screenshots of Windows Live Messenger 9.0 Beta0 illustrating some of its new bits. Because a picture says more than a thousand Thai words, I'll briefly comment on them:

- The graphical user interface of 9.0 doesn't differ from the current 8.5 version, but the About window proves that you're using Windows Live Messenger BETA Version 2009 (build 9.0.1407.1107).

- The SPIM reporting comes in the form of a right-click menu item which blocks a contact and reports it as a spammer. We have yet to unravel the mechanics behind the feature to judge its efficiency, but I assume that it could work out nonadvantageous for a contact who accidentally runs into a Messenger worm.

- In the options menu, you can configurate the sign in at more than one place feature. Those who had their worries rest assured, you can still sign yourself out when logging in somewhere else, or -and this is new- stay signed in everywhere. You can also (re)name your current "place" (read: system) as it would appear in Messenger.

- The menu to change the default Messenger Sounds has become easier to use and an ever important "Mute all sounds" option has been added for those who like to work in a silent environment. From the same menu, you can change your signature sound which plays back every time you sign in, to either one of the default ones or a custom one (maximum 5 seconds) extracted from one of your mp3s or other audio files using a handy, built-in sound editor.

- Other new features like Animated Display Pictures or hyperlinks in Personal Status Messages are not illustrated in these particular screenshots. UPDATE: After reading this, n-blue added an extra screenshot showing how one or more links in your personal status message automatically become clickable. And although static, the screenshot also shows an animated gif being used as display picture. Note how animated images with dimensions smaller than 96x96 pixels aren't enlarged, but instead are centered in the display picture area surrounded by a white border.

Somewhere in the Thai post there's a link to a forum post, which in turn links to the supposed Beta0 build. The filesize being only 16.8mb, I don't really trust the download UPDATE: n-blue assured us his mirror is free of viruses and malware. I also found a Chinese blogger who links to the digitally signed MsnMsgs9.0Beta.msi file...

Let me remind you that we DID NOT leak the build ourselves but simply found it out there, very easy to get. We were sent the build by many our most generous visitors a few minutes after it had been released last night (and thanks for that guys), but it is only after we've seen it posted at a few locations that we shared the already public links.

If you decide to download it from somewhere else after all (check the source of this post for starters), you'll be doing it at your own risk (be aware that installers can be tampered with) and at the risk of suspending the 9.0 Beta, thus spoiling all the fun.