14 DAY TRIAL // Although it is hard at work on the next generation of Windows Live Essentials, Microsoft has found the time and resources necessary to kick up a notch current versions of the clients packaged under the Essentials brand umbrella. Windows Live Messenger 2009 / Wave 3 got a minor update on May 12, 2010, but the company’s instant messaging client is not alone in this respect. The software giant also refreshed the mail client, allowing customers to bridge their Windows desktops with various email services in the Cloud, including Windows Live Hotmail.
In this regard, Windows Live Messenger 14.0.8117.416 is accompanied by Windows Live Mail 14.0.8117.416, and both are available for download either as standalone releases, or through Windows Update. Arthur de Haan, director, Windows Live Test and System Engineering, made it clear that the jump to version 14.0.8117.416 represented nothing more than a minor update to Windows Live Essentials Wave 3.
According to the Redmond company, the refresh is focused on resolving a number of issues affecting Windows Live Essentials Wave 3 clients, including Messenger and Mail. At the same time, the refresh offers small changes, some of which are set up to prepare the advent of Windows Live Essentials Wave 4.
Microsoft is making its way to the public availability milestone for Windows Live Essentials Wave 4, a deadline that third-party sources, as well as leaks from the company, reveal is set for June 2010. Going forward, the Redmond giant will focus exclusively on Windows Live Essentials Wave 4, a release tailored to Windows Vista and Windows 7. Windows XP users will continue to enjoy support for Windows Live Wave 3, but will not be able to install any of the clients from the Windows Live Essentials Wave 4 package. However, the company did confirm that Windows Live Wave 4 services such as Hotmail and SkyDrive would also be offered to XP customers.
Windows Live Messenger 14.0.8117.416 is available for download here. Windows Live Mail 14.0.8117.416 is available for download here.