Windows Defender Beta 2 will soon be available for testing, said developers for Microsoft in an online chat. The new brand name for what Microsoft still calls Windows AntiSpyware will turn a few heads with its recent additions.

Windows Defender beta 2 has added support for Outlook, it has a new interface along with automated updates to the spyware definitions and a scanning engine. Although the first Beta had only been available for Windows XP, the second Beta will have availability for Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Vista.

The integration into Outlook has been a sought for feature since the first Beta came out. WD Beta 2 will now scan incoming attachments, whereas the original only scanned files retrieved through the browser, it has a redesigned interface, upgrades to the scanning engine and auto-updates.

"The priority for development has been integration with Vista," said Jeff Williams, another Microsoft developer. "Because Beta 1 was essentially a rebranding of GIANT's very successful and useful product development, focus has been on inclusion with Vista and on the upcoming Beta 2 of Windows Defender." He added that the long run of Beta 1 was necessary because the company's plans for the GIANT technology within Vista.

Although the Microsoft Web site is keeping quiet about the release, "Windows Defender (Beta 2) is targeted for the first half of 2006. We have not determined the final release date yet. The release will include enhancements based on the feedback we've received on Beta 1," plan on seeing Beta 2's appearance pretty soon.