Windows Live Messenger Build 8.0.0683 is certainly one-up from MSN and one of the best Windows Live Messenger builds to date.
Lets have a look around!
Performance is good, it runs really nicely. The sound alerts are a bit like Windows Messenger though, so they might get improved eventually.
Firstly the build number

Contact List - note new icons and a cool theme. You can still change the color scheme, i usually choose grey or black. The little background effect looks a bit like Aurora only it doesn't move


If you got some cash, you could make some calls off Windows Live Call which is integrated with Windows Live Messenger. B) You can initiate this from the phone button at the top of the contact list.

Windows Live Today should be replacing MSN Today. I am expected MS to add some different things to this at some point, i'll keep an eye on it in new builds.
Chat Window is basically the same, but again some new icons at the top. They are in keeping with some of the Vista icons. Looks cool eh?

With every new build so far, there have been some GUI changes. MS office currently looks like Vista with some of its features, maybe Windows Live Messenger too will get these improvements.
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We have invites available for the Windows Live Beta. Just ask here.
Feel free to digg this Here