The Windows Live Messenger for Facebook update delivered at the end of the past week was just a preview of the evolution of the desktop instant messaging client. As of December 15, 2008, Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) is one step closer to RTW, with Microsoft making available for download a new release of the IM client. However, according to the software giant, the new Windows Live Messenger bits are nothing but a refresh of the already existing Beta packaged under the Windows Live Essentials brand umbrella, and not the gold Build.

An integral part of the Windows Live Wave 3, the Windows Live messenger 9.0 (2009) Beta refresh is a clear indication of the fact that Microsoft is closing in on wrapping up the instant messaging client. In fact, the company confirmed that it needed to simply soften some rough corners of the IM client before it was ready to remove the Beta label from Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009). So far, the company failed to disclose the planned deadline for the RTW (release to web) of the next iteration of Windows Live Messenger.

As you will be able to see from the screenshots integrated at the bottom of this article, Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) is now up to Build 14.0.8050.1202. Users that have been playing around with the previous Beta releases of the instant messaging client will undoubtedly notice that Microsoft has indeed tweaked the application. First off, the Beta Refresh of Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) features a redesigned sign-in screen.

At the same time, various aspects of the style and graphical users interface of Windows Live messenger 9.0 (2009) have been retouched. The changes implemented between the public Beta and the Beta Refresh development milestones appear to be purely cosmetic on the surface, while under-the-hood, without Microsoft detailing a change log, modifications are bound to be focused on increasing performance, reliability, and integration with the rest of the Windows Live Wave 3, including SkyDrive.

Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) Wave 3 Beta Refresh is available for download here.