Just installed Messenger Live Beta.

 

Looks okay, not too much new stuff here, except the 'Call' button next to a contact. Will MSN Messenger move into the VOIP space? A quick Google action results in:

 

"The phone function (result of a partnership between Microsoft and communications firm MCI) will be known as MCI web Calling for Windows Live Call and will allows subscribe to make pc to telephone calls at competitive rates."

 

It'll be interesting to see if Messenger can catch up with Skype. I had a video-phone call from the States to the Netherlands yesterday and the quality of Skype for voice and video are both higher than MSN Messenger.

I'll have to try Messenger Live to see if it has improved.

 

Contacts Live is also coming. This appears to be a similar service to Plaxo (www.plaxo.com). I don't have a MSN or Hotmail account so sadly I can't test it with my current passport.

 

More on Messenger Live: http://join.msn.com/messengerWL/wl_messenger