Debuted into Beta 1 in May of this year, and taken into Beta 2 stage in early September, Windows Live Messenger 8.5 has reached its final form. The latest version of Microsoft's instant messaging client is now officially available for download. Officially, because Windows Live Messenger 8.5 was leaked ahead of the planned launch and was already up for grabs. In fact, you had, since yesterday, access to the final build of Windows Live Messenger 8.5 right here on Softpedia.

"After months of work, and two beta releases the Windows Live Messenger team is proud to release Windows Live Messenger 8.5! We've listened to the feedback from our beta users and made this one of the best versions of Messenger ever! If you were a beta user not much has changed for you. We worked hard to improve the overall quality of Messenger though", revealed a product manager with the Windows Live Messenger team.

Windows Live Messenger 8.5 is the successor of version 8.1 introduced in January, both focused on Windows Vista. More so when it comes down to build 8.5, as the instant messaging client was tailor fitted on the operating system's graphical user interface Windows Aero. As Microsoft explained, there is little difference between the Beta 2 release in September and the final Windows Live Messenger build 8.5.1302.1018.

The release of Windows Live Messenger 8.5 accompanies Microsoft's release of its new generation of the suite of products and services reunited under the Windows Live brand umbrella. "Windows Live is a set of online tools, available at no charge, that makes it drop-dead easy and fun to communicate and share online from anywhere across multiple devices. It's e-mail, instant messaging, publishing to the Web and photo sharing wrapped into one simple suite. It makes staying in touch with friends, family and colleagues easy. And, with built-in safety features, Windows Live helps you stay in touch with confidence. Think of it as a great companion to Windows to really enhance your experience", stated Chris Jones, corporate vice president, Windows Live Experience Program Management.

Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1302.1018 is available for download via this link.