Microsoft has released a public beta of Windows Messenger 8.1. Version 8.1 is an update to the Windows Messenger 8.0 and - as such - contains a number of new features. Here is a short selection of the recently added features:

￭ Redesigned, smarter contact cards give you more data about and easier access to your friends
￭ Your display name, status and personalization roam with you to any computer
￭ Try PC-to-phone calling with two free calls to virtually any phone in the world
￭ Better server performance
￭ Automatic updates
￭ Improved sign-in performance

Additionally Microsoft has introduced Roaming Identity enabling the Windows Live Messenger users to have available the display picture and message independent from the platform where they sign in. Via the Tools->Options->General -> Sign In -> "Use the same display picture...." option you can enable or disable this option. By default it is enabled.

The Contact Card was also updated. The transition between the Spaces and Contact information is done via a slide and not a toggle while the card's actions are displayed out with increased visibility.

"New Contact Emotion - In 8.0 all our icons got an update but we forgot a very important one. The contact emoticon. Type (M) to send it. Emoticons, Winks, Backgrounds, Display Pictures - The menus have gotten an updated look. They include a recently used list and easy access to featured content so you can get new emoticons, winks, background and display pictures to use; hint: typically in the featured section the first 4 are free," revealed the Windows Live Messenger Client team.

In Windows Live Messenger 8.1, the Status Menu includes the Sign Out option. Also, Microsoft has introduced a SMS Phone Book to keep track of phone numbers. Also, Windows Live Messenger 8.1 has been better equipped for Windows Vista. This involves the Vista Presentation Mode that will automatically change the Messenger 8.1 status to busy.

Windows Live Messenger 8.1 is available for download right here on Softpedia.