The final version of Windows Live Messenger 8.5 could be just around the corner. Currently the latest variant of Microsoft's instant messaging client is still in beta phase. Windows Live Messenger 8.5 has in fact debuted into beta at the end of May, and for the past three months Microsoft has been dead silent on the faith of the successor of MSN Messenger. However, a recent report intimately connected with the Windows Live brand apparently indicates that the cooking time on Windows Live Messenger 8.5 is over and that the final release will be made available shortly.

As an integer part of its strategy behind the Windows Live suite, Microsoft plans to deliver this week a single installer for all the program and services offered on top of the windows platform. The NY Times reported that the Redmond company will bundle its Windows Live applications into a single downloadable package, an equivalent in this regard of the Google Desktop Mountain View's search giant. Among the software included in the package there is also a reference to Windows Live Messenger 8.5. That's it. Although the final version of the instant messaging client is yet to be delivered, apparently the first variant of Windows Live Installer will contain also Windows Live Messenger 8.5, but without the Beta tag.

Currently Windows Live Messenger 8.1 is the only complete version of the instant messaging client available for download. Build 8.1 went into beta on October 30, 2006 and was finalized on January 30, a date which coincided with the consumer launch of Windows Vista. It took Microsoft almost four months to introduce the first beta for Windows Live Messenger 8.5 on May 30, a release designed with Windows Vista in mind, but also with support for Windows XP SP2. At this point in time Microsoft has failed to confirm if September will bring the finalized version of Windows Live Messenger 8.5. In the meantime you will be able to access the beta via this link.