Windows Live Messenger 9.0 beta already over?


Recommended Posts

I found the following email in my inbox today:

Hello Windows Live Messenger beta testers!

Thank you for all of your efforts to help us test the latest version of Windows Live Messenger. You are some of our most engaged and passionate customers and over the last several months you've shown us just how much you care. You've sent us more than 1000 bugs and suggestions, provided valuable feedback on Windows Live Messenger v9.0 beta in three different surveys, and posted nearly 5000 messages in the newsgroup. We value your feedback - the good and the bad - and we are ready to begin using that feedback to enhance Windows Live Messenger.

For the past several months we've been gathering feedback from not only you, but also from past beta testers' comments, other external Windows Live Messenger customers, and Microsoft employees. We've compiled a thorough list of feedback, and it's now time to shift our focus to building the new version of Windows Live Messenger. Therefore, on June 24, we will close the official beta testing program.

Before the program closes we want to make sure we've reviewed and responded to all of the bugs and suggestions you sent in. The bug form will remain open through the end of this week. The newsgroup and Connect site will remain open after the bug and suggestion forms close so you can see our responses to your bugs and discuss them with other beta testers. This is a lengthy process, so we appreciate your patience as we respond to the remaining bugs and suggestions.

The good news is that even after the beta program closes you will still be

able to use the v9.0 Beta build. Please note, since the Connect site will be closed, there will be no way to download the bits from Microsoft should you want to install the build on a new or rebuilt machine. Installations you already have will continue to work.

If you have any last suggestions or bugs you want to send us, get them in by June 6 when the bug and suggestion forms will close.

Thank you again for your enthusiasm for Windows Live Messenger and all of your efforts during this beta program. There will be another beta later this year that includes the changes we're working on now, and we hope you'll participate in that and continue to send us your thoughts!

The Windows Live Messenger Team

Receiving e-mail messages from programs in which you are a participant is a mandatory part of your participation on Microsoft Connect. You can end your participation in a program at any time by visiting Your Dashboard (http://connect.microsoft.com/dashboard/) page and choosing "End Your Participation" for that program. If you do not wish to receive non-program related e-mails from Microsoft Connect, change the contact preference you have set on Your Profile (http://connect.microsoft.com/profile.aspx). This is an unmonitored e-mail address, so do not reply to this message.

Weird - they only released one beta back in November 2007, and that's it? Hm.

I don't think it's "over" but rather they are closing it for now. the beta came out VERY early and basically right after 8.5 finished. It seems to me they are getting feedback and now will be implementing the changes needed ect and working towards a more complete build and in the future may reopen it. Probably closed the beta to prevent any swaping with request durring the actual development phase.

Thats how I read the email anyway but I admittedly don't frequent the newsgroups so it's possibly I'm right off the money.

Yeah, they have closed this beta. But in the email it stated that they were just going to be working on adding features from the feedback & fixing certain bugs from the bug reports; before releasing another beta (beta 2) later in the year. Thus, it will be a while before the final version of WLMessenger 9 & there will definately be at least another beta.

Edited by cJr.
to be honest.. there isn't anything wrong with WML 8.5... I don't see the need for WLM 2008 aka 9.0

Speak for yourself. :(

Windows Live Messenger 8.5 constantly reports that I have a new email (or several) when I don't. I'll go to check my Hotmail Inbox and it will be empty. When that issue is also occurring, it does not show when I receive a new email, it just will continue to say 2 emails in my inbox (even if they're none).

to be honest.. there isn't anything wrong with WML 8.5... I don't see the need for WLM 2008 aka 9.0

Actually, WLMessenger 8.5 is Windows Live Messenger 2008 (look at the 'About' option); therefore, WLMessenger 9.0 will probably be Windows Live Messenger 2009.

I do see a point in a newer version, although maybe not too many new core features or much of a new user interface - I hear they are allowing developers to create 3rd party applications for it (without the need for MsgPlus), so if that is right, then I do see a point in it :)

I do like some of the new features announced for it - especially the option to be able to have animated GIF images as your display pic :p

  • 5 weeks later...

Actually cJr, the "Windows Live Messenger 2008" was a one time deal, according to a few developers. And for those who're wondering what this beta (Actually the correct term would be Alpha) was all about, here's a semi-in-depth artcile :).

  • 2 weeks later...

I also don't see a point for a new IM version. The functionality of WLM 8.5 works fine. How much more work can MS possibly put on WLM? I think they should release a new version with some user interface improvements and then, optimize WLM (it's kind of a memory hog), and call it a day.

The main issues with WLM is the unstable backend. Random errors where people can't sign on, or messages can't be sent etc. Awful performance when playing with appear offline. Sharing folders are just glitchy at best, although that may have improved now.

From what I understood bugs in the beta marked as Postponed were going to be added or atleast considered for WLM9...

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Flip 8, Z Fold Wide: Everything you need to know The ONLY thing I need to know is the price, which I know will be way higher than I (and most people) are willing to pay for a phone... so basically nothing here I need to know. PS: Nice job getting that Apple reference to a non-existent and unrevealed product as "competition" in there. Cheque is in the mail.
    • Well I really think the repasting helped if your higher clocks have returned, maybe the next thing to look at is if there is a problem with your case airflow? I guess this because your 3080 has returned to optimal state, but is still staying too warm, which might suggest it was thermal throttling before you repasted, of which the only logical conclusion could be outside factors.
    • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Flip 8, Z Fold Wide: Everything you need to know by Hamid Ganji Galaxy Z Fold 7 - Image via Samsung The next generation of Samsung foldables is set to be unveiled next month at the second Unpacked event of the year. Samsung’s 2026 foldables are not expected to offer significant upgrades over their predecessors, with the Korean firm instead focusing on design refinements and conventional upgrades such as faster processors and better cameras. However, Samsung is reportedly planning to unveil an all-new passport-style foldable this year to rival Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which is expected to debut this September. Here’s a roundup of everything we know about Samsung’s upcoming foldable devices ahead of their official debut. When can we expect Samsung’s new foldables? The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 series were unveiled in July, and Samsung is expected to maintain this timeframe in 2026. Based on previous reports from Korean sources, Samsung will hold its Unpacked event on July 22 in London, UK, to pull back the curtain on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series. The devices are also expected to hit the shelves a few weeks after launch. However, Samsung has yet to announce an official date. A new naming scheme? One of the most interesting changes we might see this year is a new naming scheme for Samsung’s latest foldables. SamMobile reported that since Samsung is expected to unveil three foldables this year, it has adopted a new naming strategy to simplify product identification for customers. Accordingly, the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 will reportedly be called the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and will serve as the direct successor to last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 7. The “Ultra” suffix suggests the phone could feature higher-end specifications, such as additional rear camera modules. Samsung’s new passport-style foldable is expected to carry the Galaxy Z Fold 8 name without any suffix. This model is reportedly equipped with two rear cameras. No major changes are expected for the Flip model. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 anticipated specs Rumors over the past few months suggest Samsung is preparing several upgrades for its upcoming foldables, although the devices may continue to rely on larger batteries and faster charging speeds rather than dramatic design changes. The primary focus this year is expected to be the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and its wide-screen design. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra official CAD renders - Image via AndroidHeadlines Here are the anticipated specifications for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra based on previous leaks: 6.5-inch outer display and 8-inch inner display, 120Hz refresh rate, and 2,600 nits peak brightness Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage 4.1mm thickness when unfolded and a weight of 210g 200MP main camera, 50MP ultrawide camera, 10MP or 12MP telephoto camera, 10MP cover camera, and 10MP selfie camera 5,000mAh battery with 45W wired charging Android 17 and One UI 9 As for the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the device is not expected to be a major departure from its predecessor, although it could become slightly slimmer. Expected specifications include: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or Exynos 2600 processor 12GB of RAM with 256GB and 512GB storage options 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner dispaly and 4.1-inch Super AMOLED outer dispaly 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide camera, and 10MP selfie camera 4,300mAh battery with 25W wired charging Android 17 and One UI 9 Samsung’s foldables are also expected to launch with Gemini Intelligence, Google’s AI suite for automating tasks in Android ecosystem. Moreover, given current memory and component costs, some Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 variants could see a price hike. Galaxy Z Fold 8 adopts a wide-screen design The centerpiece of the upcoming Unpacked event could be the Galaxy Z Fold 8, previously rumored as the Galaxy Z Fold Wide. This model adopts a passport-style form factor and is expected to compete directly with Apple’s iPhone Fold. Galaxy Z Fold 8 official CAD renders - Image via AndroidHeadlines Here’s what to expect: 7.6-inch primary OLED display and 5.4-inch cover display, 120Hz refresh rate, 2,600 nits peak brightness, and 4:3 aspect ratio Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, 12GB or 16GB of RAM, and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage options 4,800mAh battery with 45W wired charging 50MP main camera, 50MP ultrawide camera, and 10MP selfie camera Android 17 and One UI 9 The three new foldable phones are unlikely to be the only devices unveiled at Samsung’s Unpacked event. The company is also expected to introduce the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and the Galaxy Watch 9 series.
    • Thanks
  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      rolfus earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      Leroy Jethro Gibbs earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Conversation Starter
      flexorcist earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • One Month Later
      AndreaB earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      agatameier earned a badge
      One Month Later
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      505
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      196
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      141
    4. 4
      ATLien_0
      89
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      81
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!