Microsoft is but hours away from the official launch of the next wave of products and services reunited under the Windows Live brand umbrella. The Redmond company has even placed an official countdown webpage associated with Windows Live. At the time of this article, there were still a little over five hours to "better." That's right, Microsoft is in fact counting down to better, and as general as the term might sound, the Windows Live suite of products and services is undoubtedly in the focus of the initiative.

"Are you confused by all the different ways you can connect with people online? Do you wish there was just one simple way for you and your family to talk and share stuff, like photos from a PC or mobile? Are you also worried about what your kids can access online? Well, very soon, you could be feelong better connected - easily and securely - to the people that matter to you. And all for free", reads the message posted on the countdown webpage.

The fact of the matter is that the final version of Windows Live Messenger 8.5 has been leaked to the web and is already available for download. At the beginning of September, the Redmond company, as an integer part of its evolution of Windows Live, introduced the unified installer for the cloud operating system accompanied by a suite of new betas.

November brings a similar move, as a new version of the Windows Live installer is up for grabs, courtesy of Mess.be, bringing with it new versions of Windows Live Messenger 8.5, Sign-in Assistant, Writer, Mail, Toolbar, Photo Gallery and OneCare Family Safety.

"Imagine being able to chat, make video calls and share photos with friends, all in one place from both your PC and mobile phone. Imagine the joy of being able to download photos from your camera, and easily share team with friends and family over the Internet, or on their phone. How about the peace of mind of easily knowing you're happy with what your kids see online, and who they talk to", reads the rest of Microsoft's invitation for Windows Live wave 2.