This past week Microsoft released “Wave 3” of the Windows Live product line, and two of the most popular tools is Live Messenger (Microsoft IM Client) and Live Writer (Microsoft Blogging Software, which is the one that I use).  I’ve been using the Beta software for a while and so far so good from my perspective.  Messenger has a cleaner, albeit more “colorful” UI, with some new features that I am getting used to.  So far I’ve not noticed as much in Live Writer from a “features” perspective, but it has a cleaned up UI, which I certainly appreciate.

[Update] Here’s a link to the details of what’s new in each product, by the Windows Live Team.  Their explanation and screenshots are better than mine.  Here’s the link: Click here

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Here’s what’s in Wave 3:

• Windows Live Mail (e-mail client)
• Windows Messenger (IM Client)
• Photo Gallery (Image/Picture management)
• Live Writer (Blogging software)
• Movie Maker
• Live Toolbar (IE add-in)
• Family Safety Beta (Net monitoring software)

To download the Betas: Click here

~Robert Shelton