14 DAY TRIAL // Build 14.0.8089.726 of Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) was initially released as a standalone download on August 19th, 2009, and as an automatic update for all users running versions 8.1, 8.5 of the instant messaging client, and scheduled for launch for v14.0 of the IM client in October. When it made Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) 14.0.8089.726 available for download, Microsoft failed to detail just what the upgrade was bringing to the table.
Now that the first wave of 14.0.8089.726 upgrades is already on its way to Windows Live Messenger users, the company revealed that, “There are a ton of great new features and improvements in the current version of Windows Live Messenger (14.0.8089) that we know you will be impressed with.”
The most critical aspect of the Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) 14.0.8089.726 upgrade is the fact that the release is designed to patch a number of vulnerabilities affecting versions 8.1, 8.5 and 14.0. Microsoft has published the Microsoft Security Advisory 973882 detailing the security holes that have been plugged with the 14.0.8089.726 Build. Users are advised to deploy the Windows Live Messenger upgrade as soon as possible and to patch security flaws in Microsoft Active Template Library (ATL), which could allow for remote code execution in the eventuality of a successful attack.
“The upgrade will provide customers with the latest software updates including code fixes and feature enhancements, as well address vulnerabilities discussed in the Microsoft Security Advisory 973882 that existed in previous versions of Windows Live Messenger,” a member of the Windows Live Messenger team revealed.
As far as the feature enhancements are concerned, Microsoft explained that 14.0.8089.726 would feel like a major upgrade to users running versions 8.1 and 8.5 of the instant messaging client. However, the same is not the case for those that were already running version 14.0.
“The changes vary depending on which version of Windows Live Messenger people currently have on their PC. The process will upgrade customers of Windows Live Messenger 8.1 or 8.5 to our latest version. Separately, customers who installed Windows Live Messenger client 14.0 before August 19, 2009 will receive a code fix, but there will be no visible feature changes,” the Windows Live Messenger team representative added.
Starting with August 25th 2009, Microsoft began to serve optional upgrade notifications to Windows Live Messenger clients versions 8.1 and 8.5. In mid September, the upgrades will become mandatory. Only in early October 2009 will version 14.0 of the IM client also receive optional upgrade notifications, which will become mandatory by the end of that month. Users that will not upgrade to Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) 14.0.8089.726 will no longer be able to sign into the IM client.
According to Microsoft, here is what’s new in Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) 14.0.8089.726: “• Personalization. Add a profile picture or video, display a personal scene in the chat window, update the status message with your news, add a favorite link, or add what song you’re listening to. • Integration of ‘What’s New’ feed. With the ‘What’s New’ feed in Messenger, you can stay in touch with the latest updates from your circle of friends at a glance, without any need to log in across multiple destinations. • Photo sharing. Photo sharing lets you share and comment on pictures while you’re chatting. • Favorites. Identify your most important contacts and they will appear at the top of your Messenger window, for easy access. It’s like speed dial for your Messenger contacts. • Groups. Create groups on the fly and chat simultaneously with up to 20 members at the same time.”
Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) 14.0.8089.726 is available for download here. Windows Live Mail 2009 14.0.8089.0726 is available for download here.
Windows Live Family Safety is available for download here.
Windows Live Writer 14.0.8089.726 is available for download here.
Windows Live Photo Gallery 2009 14.0.8081.709 is available for download here.