The wait is almost over. Yahoo has started showing signs of life for its instant messenger client for Windows Vista. Back in early January at CES 2007, the Sunnyvale Internet giant managed to give users a taste of a version of Yahoo Messenger designed especially to integrate seamlessly with Microsoft's latest operating system. Yahoo Messenger for Windows Vista takes full advantage of the Windows Presentation Foundation architecture of the platform to deliver a unique user experience tailor fitted on the visual style of the operating system. However, following the initial unveiling of Yahoo Messenger for Vista, the Sunnyvale-based company limited itself to what seemed to be a perpetual promise that the instant messenger client would drop "soon."

Almost a whole year later, well, ten months to be more exact, "soon" is approaching at fast pace. Josh Jacobson, Senior Product Manager, Yahoo Messenger for Windows Vista, promised that an updated version of the product will be made available for download, as a part of an initiative set up to gather user feedback as a part of the testing process. In this context, Yahoo Messenger for Vista will go head to head with Windows Live Messenger 8.5, Microsoft's own instant messaging client, also designed with Vista in mind.

"Some of the things we've been working on since the last update include: performance optimization for a smooth and responsive experience; integrated feedback system for bug reporting and feature ideas; updated tab-based navigation; ability to install both versions of Yahoo! Messenger for Windows on the same computer at once; updated visual design for desktop icons and Sidebar gadget; vector-based animated emoticons and aeroglass window integration", revealed Jacobson.

Back at the end of May 2007, Microsoft introduced the first beta build for Windows Live Messenger 8.5. Supported exclusively for Windows Vista and Windows XP SP2, Windows Live Messenger 8.5 is the evolution of version 8.1 in the same manner as Yahoo Messenger for Vista is the successor of the 8.1 variant of Yahoo's IM client. Currently, Windows Live Messenger 8.5 Beta 2 is available for download, and the final version is expected by the end of the year, most probably in November, although this has not been officially confirmed by Microsoft.