Windows Live Messenger Beta 1 Ships

As expected, Microsoft has released Beta 1 of Windows Live Messenger to a limited group of testers, with plans to expand the beta in the coming weeks and months. The new IM client, which replaces MSN Messenger, includes "some elephant-sized changes," says Microsoft, including offline messages and PC-to-phone calls.

The Live Messenger development team plans to use its Spaces blog to ask for public feedback on potential new features. "We'll use pictures and descriptions so you can add your opinions whether you have the beta or not," the team says. A detailed and extensive feature list has been posted for those not lucky enough to have been selected.