Microsoft confirmed Wednesday that it has released the Windows Live Mail Desktop Beta to select beta testers and partners. Windows Live Mail Desktop is a light application which will allow you to access your hotmail emails. You could call it a slimmed down version of the MSN Client software.

It's crunch time here in MDB (Mail Desktop Beta, our unofficial acronym to keep it short and sweet). The developers are working hard on last minute DCRs and coding like maniacs to lower our bug count, testers are running through a multi-week test pass and buddy tests, and program managers are fighting hard in war meetings and clearing road blocks. What are all these things? I'll explain in a minute. But first, Why ARE we working so hard? That's because our first managed beta starts today! Are you part of the managed beta? "~100 beta members will be sent a survey link starting Wednesday, with feedback collected over the next 7 days. If this 100-group has a good beta experience, the group will be expanded to around 5000 within the next few weeks." - Bradley, our test lead. We're keeping the group small for this beta so the feedback loop will be tight. If you made the list, congrats! If you didn't, don't despair, the next round of beta is only a few months away. That beta will include a MUCH larger test audience. When it comes time for the beta test to start, look for our post here for directions on how to sign up. That's our big news but you're probably wondering what we're doing in the mean time to get the product ready for you.

The client will come with the following:
- Intergrated spam/phishing filters
- New file based database for email & contacts
- Quick search box
- Spell checking
- New contact UI and features
- RSS