Microsoft has updated Windows Live Messenger 8.5, the version tailor fitted to integrate seamlessly with the graphic design and the user interface visuals of Windows Vista. The Redmond company's instant messaging client still comes with the 8.5 label, but it has evolved from Beta 1 to Beta 2 stage. The fresh beta was timed to coincide with the general availability of the Windows Live Installer that Microsoft applauded as an integer part of the next phase in the growth of the Windows Live suite of products and services. Well, the beta 2 launch is nothing more than another step toward the finalization of Windows Live Messenger 8.5.

At the beginning of this week Microsoft was giving out all the right signals pointing to the availability of a new build of Windows Live Messenger 8.5. Of course you were able to read about it first right here on Softpedia. The only difference is that the Redmond company has yet to finish cooking Windows Live Messenger at this point. And although the final version of the instant messaging client seemed to be just around the corner, the truth is that Windows Live Messenger 8.5 simply moved in the next Beta stage.

"Yes, it's that time again! The Windows Live Messenger team is proud to announce our Beta 2 release! This beta is available in 35 languages - that's a lot of IM's! If you downloaded our Beta 1 build, you may not think that much has changed. While the look and feel is almost the same, we listened to your feedback and fixed many of the top issues reported by our customers," revealed a member of the Windows Live Messenger team.

The fact of the matter is that Windows Live Messenger Beta 2 Build 8.5.1288.816 brings nothing new to the table. Microsoft has taken its due time softening the IM client's rough edges in accordance with user input, but nothing much more. If you are expecting new functionality with this release you are bound to be disappointed. Windows Live Messenger went into beta 1 at the end of May and at this time, Microsoft failed to offer even a general timetable for the final release.

You will be able to download Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta 2 from right here.