Windows Phone 7 to get Live Messenger, but not from Microsoft?

At the end of September, MobileTechWorld.com reported that Windows Live Messenger (WLM) was coming to Windows Phone 7, but that the instant-messaging application wouldn't be developed by Microsoft.

It turns out that report may be right, though it's a bit confusing as to exactly who will be building the instant-messaging client for the Windows Phone 7 phones.

MobileTechWorld reported Microsoft Gold Partner Bewise was developing the WLM application. But this week, another developer stepped forward -- San Francisco-based Miyowa -- claiming it is the one developing a WLM client for the phones.

Hmm. Could there be multiple WLM applications available from multiple developers?

Microsoft isn't clarifying matters. When I asked about MobileTechWorld's report earlier this month, a spokesperson sent this statement:

“We’re not sharing details at this time with respect to WP7 launch dates and services. Windows Live Messenger has over 300 million active users, to which we just released a new version of Messenger. Our customers can expect Windows Live services across the devices they use, including the upcoming WP7."

A Microsoft-developed WLM was not mentioned at all in a blog post this week from Corporate Vice President Chris Jones, as LiveSide.net noted. Jones highlighted Hotmail, SkyDrive, OneNote and Find My Phone in his list of Windows Live-related services that would be available for Windows Phone 7 devices. The "People" hub in the new phones has the same kind of activity stream interface that the new Windows Live Messenger (Wave 4) does.

Given the central place that Messenger has in Microsoft's just-refreshed Windows Live line-up, the omission seemed a bit odd. But remember: Microsoft wasn't going to provide instant messaging on the Kin phones at all, either....

Meanwhile, in other Windows Phone 7 news today, Engadget is reporting that Best Buy will be offering unlocked HTC 7 Surround devices for $550 on November 8.