Windows Live Messenger 8.1 Beta

Today, Microsoft released the Windows Live Messenger 8.1 BETA. Version 8.1 is an upgrade from 8.0 and includes many critical bug fixes and additions of new features.

New Features:

Improved compatibility with Vista

A new personalized user interface for expressions (such as Winks and Emoticon menus, etc.)

New options for personalized status messages

A new badge platform

An improved re-authentication mechanism during login

Floating image display

A new platform architecture for key areas, such as automatic updates and object storage (the place where personal data is stored on your computer)