This has been out for a while and updates from 8.1 with a vista style look and some other features and changes and is supposed to fix a lot of the connection issues 8.1 has.

Messenger 9 is under way and you can grab a very buggy beta off the web but I just realised talking to a few people not many actually are aware that 8.8 is out.

Windows update will mention it on Normal 32bit XP but many have not seen this announced on their windows updates though
XP x64 and server 2003 users will not see it in their update as it was removed becuase it is supposed to not work on the systems
http://get.live.com/messenger/sysreq

QuoteOperating system   Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista
Processor   Minimum 800 MHz processor
Memory   Minimum 128 MB of RAM (256 MB or more recommended)
Browser   Internet Explorer 6 or later
Internet connection   Internet functionality requires dial-up or broadband Internet access (provided separately). Local or long-distance charges may apply.
Resolution   Minimum 800 x 600 (1024 x 768 or larger recommended)
   (Windows 2003 Server (Win2K3) and Windows XP x64 are not supported.)

This by the way is a lie as it DOES work on these OSs, MS have changed the download process for messenger live, you download a file and launch it and it then goes to download messenger and the service module (not as in windows service but online) This is what prevents the above OS users from installing 8.5 with the old "it does not work, not supported" messages and blogs and the MS live site stating it does not work.
It is only the Installer that does not work and clever folk have grabbed the MSI file to allow you to install it.

You can get it here if you not done so yet
It may be of use to some 32bit xp users as people have had problems updating with the new installer as it is basically a bit crap

There is a patch program as well that will remove a lot of the adverts, improve file transfer further (8,5 actually sends data a lot quicker anyway) etc..
http://apatch.org/features.php

Download here: http://apatch.org/downloads.php

Also note further versions of MSN will not be supported under the above OSs so they may hard code 9 not to work but it will probably be the initially installer blocking these but any case people will get it to function fine in these OSs.
MS are just being gay

MSN Messenger for mac has had its last version and now will not have any new updates BUT M$ are working on a totally different chat program specially for the mac

Mac and the OS X are great but not golden but it is interesting for me so far how codes and interface creators seem to put more effort into their programs when they make them for the mac.

QuoteInternal builds are already at WLM 9 and includes many of the API components. They have a team working on multi-person audio/video chat for WLM that may or may not be in 9, but should be in by 10. They are also trying to work out a way for WLM users to chat with AIM/GTalk/ICQ users like the way Yahoo! works now, and they have an internal version that works with GTalk already (but very basic). MS will no longer update the MSN Messenger for Mac, but they are going to release a brand new client for Mac OS X that is according to him "Really, really cool and awesome" but he would not provide anymore details due to his NDA.

http://www.liveside.net/blogs/main/archive/2007/10/31/messenger-9-gtalk-integration-messenger-api-new-client-for-mac-os-x-news-unveiled-at-georgia-tech-presentation-whew.aspx

9 Preview

    *  Multiple Points of Presence Support: Ever been annoyed by the fact that logging onto Messenger from another computer logs you out of the first one? If so, youll be glad to be able to log on from multiple locations at once. And so will you.
    * Signature sounds: Find new and creative ways to annoy your coworkers with personalized sound signatures.
    * Per-contact sounds: That one friend who keeps annoying you with constant IMs? Give them a rude sound.
    * Animated .GIF display pictures: Now your friends can be forced to look at your baby while hes making silly faces.
    * Links in status messages: As if there wasnt enough to click on, now URLs in the status bar are clickable.
    * Anti-spam filter: You can now report users who spam you via IM, which should do absolutely nothing to stop them in future.

If you receive any unsolicited messages you can easily block them using the new reporting tool. This data will be used by the messenger servers to put restriction on the spammer accounts.

QuoteOne feature not present in the list, but hinted at by Microsoft employees at earlier conferences is that Messenger 9.0 will come with a new API that will allow third-party developers to create customized versions of the IM client or programs that add on to it to offer even more features.

Sorry for the fact this guy has a bad interface taste

It will be nice to finally have animated gif images at last and url links in your messages

If you want to risk a download:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Internet/Chat/Instant-Messaging/Windows-Live-Messenger-9.shtml

Er mate... its not a lie at all that Win2k3 is not supported.

Quote from: M3ta7h3adEr mate... its not a lie at all that Win2k3 is not supported.

Ahh sorry, clear it up...

Not supported but on the official blogs I did not link but just mentioned the developers say that it wont work on those OS hence the lie.
They do work and I got mine running now and I have to say the patcher is brilliant.
Here it is, Names etc filtered a bit but left some

If they would just add support for multiple accounts I would swap back to Messenger client in a flash.
But alas they still dont have mutli-account support so Ill be sticking with Pidgin :s

Quote from: NimrodIf they would just add support for multiple accounts I would swap back to Messenger client in a flash.
But alas they still dont have mutli-account support so Ill be sticking with Pidgin :s

version 9 will have it, cant wait for animated gifs, have so many cool ones to use

*sigh*

Ill bet your like one my m8s who just loves to use the nudge feature, even when he doesnt want to talk to you  :rage:

Quote from: Nimrod*sigh*

Ill bet your like one my m8s who just loves to use the nudge feature, even when he doesnt want to talk to you  :rage:

Nope, you seen the image of my msn now? I turned it off, 8.1 I had it turned off, I not tried others but msn most people still use tbh and Once you turn the crap off its cool but animated gifs is something I have always wanted as a natty thing and since - well dunnu when actual file transfers for example have been quick for a while now

http://www.9down.com/Windows-Live-Messenger-9-0-Beta-Download-19863/

Different download, the softpedia ones been pulled.

Are there any version of these that dont require XP SP2? Ima lowly SP1 fella.

Quote from: Clockd 0NeAre there any version of these that dont require XP SP2? Ima lowly SP1 fella.

Just Upgrade you maniac! Damn yous! Goddamn yous all to hell!

One Day(tm)

When I move 64-bit.

Quote from: soopahfly

Quote from: Clockd 0NeAre there any version of these that dont require XP SP2? Ima lowly SP1 fella.

Just Upgrade you maniac! Damn yous! Goddamn yous all to hell!

TBH there are no legitimate reasons for not upgrading, there are ways around the M$ crap.

[edit] Come to think of it there arent any illegitimate reasons for not upgrading either. There are even ways available for people with dodgy corporate versions. [/edit]

I have not needed any of the annoying crap SP2 has had to offer until now. Metalhead might come along to talk about how Im a hackers dream, but aside from that threat Ive been quite happy without Windows Defender and all the other irritating My first PC garbage that gets installed with SP2 to live without it. Since software is now starting to demand it I guess Ill have to get used to it at some point.

Are you sure you want Windows to run this program?

Are you sure you want to allow Windows to connect to the interweb?
(Scary monsters are on the webs!)

sp2 doesnt add windows defender.

It also doesnt add UAC.

What is your problem with it? Afraid of the big ban hammer from MS?