A new Beta build of the next iteration of Windows Live Messenger has been leaked and is available for download. Windows Live Messenger 9.0 initially debuted into Beta at the end of 2007, alongside the final release of version 8.5. Back in November of the past year, Microsoft's limited Windows Live Messenger 9.0 Beta grew to unexpected proportions as the bits for the instant messaging client were leaked and made available for download from third-party sources. Almost nine months later, the Beta bits for the latest development milestone of Windows Live Messenger 9.0 have been leaked and are yet again up for grabs outside of the Redmond company's limited pool of testers.

Named Build 14.0.3921.717, the Beta version of the instant messaging client comes to the table with a new label, namely Windows Live Messenger 2009. The successor of Windows Live Messenger 8.5, the last gold version of the IM client finalized in November 2007, is a Milestone 1 release, synchronized with the additional services and products collectively developed as the Windows Live Wave 3. Microsoft indicated that the next update to Windows Live, including to the instant messaging client, will be implemented by the end of 2008.

On the surface, Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) Beta Build 14.0.3921.717 sports a new graphical user interface, signaling an intimate connection with the UX of the entire Windows Live suite of products and services. However, at this point in time, the IM client is still far from finalization and in this context, the UI redesign is just a taste of the evolution still in store until the code will go gold. In addition, Build 14.0.3921.717 sports features such as Favorite Contacts, Groups, and new photo sharing capabilities.

The 14.0.3921.717 development milestone is nothing more than a Beta of Windows Live Messenger 2009, and at the M1 stage, Microsoft has yet to deliver a feature-complete release. In this context the Redmond company will continue to hammer away at the instant messaging client both in terms of the user interface and the under-the-hood features. In addition, the software giant is sending out all the right signals that it is gearing up for a broader Beta testing milestone, one that will be opened to the general public. (via KeepingItReal)

For the time being Windows Live Messenger 8.5 is available for download here.