Windows Live Messenger 8.0.0683 'Leak'

[xpgeek]

A new 'leaked' beta version of Windows Live Messenger has hit the web. Its version number is 'Windows Live Messenger 8.0.0683.00_Branches'. The _Branches part IS part of the version string, so yes this is obviously a internal testers build, not even meant for official beta testers, and is a 'leaked' build.

If interested in getting, download links can be found at:
http://www.mess.be

Visual innovation:
- New desktop/program icon
- New Sharing Folders icon
- New Video Conversation and Call a contact icons (also in main window)

New features:
- Rhapsody Music Service ("Discover, play and share from Rhapsody's extensive catalog")
- Windows Live Call Beta, PC-to-telephone calling provided by MCI Web Call
- Windows Live Sign-in Assistant ("See all your Windows Live ID accounts at sign-in with Internet Explorer")
- "In a Call" status (automatically enabled with Windows Live Call)
- Option to remove "[contact's name] says:" preceding IMs in conversations
- Windows Live Messenger events (sounds) integrated in Alerts and Sounds options tab
- The return of the (removable) MSN Today popup
- Calendar icon in main window
- "Show shadows and animation" and change Window color options in the General options tab

And A-Patch has already been updated for it:
A-Patch: 1.3.0 RC1 (build 30) ~ WLM
Updated: 19/4/2006
Supported Versions: 8.0.0683.00_Branches
http://apatch.ikhost.com/wlm.php

[xpgeek]

Personally, I won't be upgrading to it until I get this question of mine answered on another forum I asked it on.

Besides the Rhapsody Music Service which now comes bundled in the installer, but is at least an optional install, there is also a second thing installed by this build, its in your add&remove programs, and its name is Windows Driver - MSN (usbccgp) USB (02/15/2002 1.2.0.103).

I've already been able to figure out what this actually is.
"The driver is for the upcoming Messenger Phones that are coming out for VoIP."

And my question is:
So, since I know for a fact I'm never going to get one of these phones, and never ever use this feature even once, can it be removed? Does it run all the time or anything if left installed, or only when this feature actually calls on it n requires it?

Ehhh, at least Rhapsody is optional, this, completely useless feature, to me, especially if it can't be removed, is just major bloat, (something I don't need, don't want, will never ever use, and really don't want taking up pc resources), and seriously making me consider going Gaim or Miranda all the time for good.

Will update when I get my question answered.

[xpgeek]

Ok, after it seeming like no one was willing to test the question for me I finally just did it myself.

Yes the Windows Driver - MSN thingy can be uninstalled after installing this build of Windows Live Messenger. It doesn't seem to stop anything from working, except of course I assume some feature of the Call to Phone feature, that I was Never going to use anyway.

The icons are uglier, I prefered the MSN Messenger 7.0 series icons, but the colors are better and it does seem to run a whole lot better. It signs in a whole lot quicker now.

A screenshot : After a lot of A-Patching :

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/2484/wlm3ah.png