I got it last night at about 10 EST. The build is 10.6.0042.1900. I wish it had Messenger included.

Sweet.  Just installed it on my tilt and it works great so far.

Yeah note that this isn't the version with Messenger installed. So if you have a build that shipped with you device that included Messenger, don't try to update.

Is there anything majorly new with this build?

I'm not sure if its just marketing graphics, but some of the new Windows Mobile Experience promos (dotted about the windows.com site) look like they have a Spaces App built into them.

I'm still holding out for an all in one Live/MSN/SoapBox suite similar to Yahoo toGo which is fantastic.

disappointing that Messenger wasn't included.  Maybe I should switch from my Windows Mobile device to a Blackberry or something else where Messenger is included?

and still no calendar sync... what are they waiting for...?

@yanverm, I presume they are waiting for wave 3 proper and at least calendar syncing with PCs (through WLMail afaik) before they have it for mobile devices; or maybe it will be one of the only good benefits offered by a premium Live account ...

@Hb8, there are quite a few third-party Messenger clients for Windows Mobile out there

@andyman agreed, and I'm using Fring at the moment.  But why take it out in the first place when it has been included in the past and continues to be included in releases for other products?  

What I'm really saying is, I guess, that this wasn't a step forward for MS in the Live for Mobile arena.  There's nothing compelling about this new release over the old that would win over converts and in fact the loss of Messenger would probably make some to seek alternatives elsewhere. Where's the benefit to MS (and users) in that? Sure there's webmessenger for mobile, but simply put, it's not an elegant or efficient solution for mobile IMing.  

@Hb8 I agree with you. they update the software, it works a little better, but in meantime they "shut down sexy stuff" as messenger. And where is the integration with spaces (I don't find it). If they want to compete with mobile me, (that's why they release it now I supose), they still have a lot lot lot of work to do... and this after so many years...what did they do in meantime? Went on holiday for a year? ;-)

I can't comprehend why they wouldn't include messenger. Is it because they a bowing to pressure from mobile telco's as it might steal some revenue from sms?

@foaf Off course... messenger is a paid subscription at your mobile telecom operator... if microsoft gives it free, the operators complains... If microsoft wanted to make it a succes story (installed on every mobile phone) they should have think twice before "giving it away" to the operators. I think they would have more advertising revenue's if they released it (free) with windows live for mobile (in combination with text advertising of small banners).

But how about market where the mobile operator didn't charge premium for messenger?

Couldn’t Microsoft just limit version with Messenger to those market just like they limit Mesh’ preview only to US ?

oh no!!! still no calendar sync... :-(

With messenger excluded I experence better performance.

Also devices like Pantech DUO have the following problem:

WL syncs email - always in memory

WLS - looking for a place to eat.

turn on camera to take a picture.... out of memory... my wife didn't like having to go to taskman and stop programs.

the smaller footprint is a good thing imho