The new version of windows live messenger is currently being developed and is expected to be released by the end of the year.

There will be a number of new features in the new version:

Animated Display Pictures
This is something that a lot of people have always wanted. The new version of windows live messenger will let you have an animated .gif image for your display picture! As soon as the new version of messenger is released, we will have a large selection of free animated display pictures for you to download.

Sign In To Your Messenger On Multiple Computers
You will be able to sign into messenger on more than one computer at a time - up to four at the same time! You simply sign in on one computer and then sign in on another computer using the same account.

Signature Sounds
You will be able to pick your own personal sound which your contacts will hear when you sign into Messenger.

Contacts Sounds
In version 9.0 of windows live messenger, you will be able to choose unique sounds for each of your contacts. This means you will be able to easily tell who is sending you a message, even if you're not at your computer.

Spam Reporting
If someone on your contact list sends you loads of weird messages or files that are weird, you can block them and report them as a spammer. If you report a user as a spammer, the messenger service will collect the data and put appropriate restrictions on the spammer's account.

Links In Personal Status Messages
If you write a website address in your Personal Status, people who have you as a contact will be able to click on it in their contact list.