A new Windows Live Messenger Wave 4 screenshot has leaked out. The leaked screenshot brings nothing but good news and a smile on your face since it unveils a useful and interesting set of features that the next iteration of Windows Live Messenger will bring. As expected, social networking is at the heart of your favorite chat client but that’s not the only aspect that is going to get enhanced as you will find out after the jump.

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The  above screenshot reveals the following new features that the Windows Live Messenger 2010 will bring

  • A social networking hub – Just like the Windows Phone 7 Series which will integrate 70+ feeds , Microsoft will be bringing various networks to the Live Messenger which isn’t limited to Windows Live and Facebook. Twitter, MySpace and others will be entertained as well. The Connected to Button on the right hand corner leads to this possibility. Facebook updates and comments will be shown as well.
  • Facebook chat coming to Messenger – Facebook chat might well see light in the Wave 4 messenger. The presence of status blip next to the contact names in Facebook pane (central pane) suggests this cool feature
  • Directly comment on Windows Live status updates – With the next version of Windows Live IM, you will be given the flexibility to reply or comment on your Windows Live contact’s status update right within the messenger. See the left pane (the pane which shows picture of a dog)
  • SkyDrive and Windows Live Photos integration – Windows Live Photos and SkyDrive are expected to get a deep integration with the new version. Any new picture uploaded on Windows Live Photo will be reflected on your Messenger’s left pane. Notice in the left Pane the text via SkyDrive? Does this mean, you will be allowed to post updates right from SkyDrive?
  • It’s not all about Social – As I said social uplift isn’t the only target of the upcoming WLM. Notice on the left pane, there are a couple of new categories namely MSN and Games.
  • New emoticons – You just can’t have enough of emoticons can you? WLM has realized that and will be bringing more emoticons just for your pleasure. See Terry Adams on the right side under the Favorites section.

All of this just makes me more impatient and makes me want the Wave 4 version of Windows Live Messenger as early as possible. Are you excited about the upcoming Windows Live Messenger. What is your favorite feature? Do let us know.

[via LiveSide]