Codename Fiji is the next version of Windows Media Center. Back in 2006, Fiji was incorrectly paraded as the future version of Windows, which was eventually labeled Windows 7 (seven) after being codenamed Vienna. But codename Fiji refers to the evolution of Windows Media Center. And just as Windows Vista SP1, Windows XP SP3, Windows 7, Internet Explorer 8 and Windows Live Wave 3, Microsoft is also mute on the development of Fiji. However, the Redmond company does manage either to let information slip through its fingers or to generate leaks. Case in point, the latest movements on the Windows Media Center Codename front, with the development of Fiji inching forward.

At this point in time, Microsoft has been building Fiji for well over a year, with absolutely no indication from the company as to when the next version of Windows Media Center will be delivered, or any clues about the evolution of the development process. But another step forward for the Redmond company and Windows Media Center is a new Fiji Beta opened exclusively to selected testers via invitation only.

"You have been invited to participate in a Microsoft Beta program in collaboration with your local TV provider, DirectTV. This particular program will require Microsoft to share the following information regarding your account so that we may send you beta hardware and provide support during this program," reads a fragment of the Windows Media Center Beta Opt-in Agreement for the new Fiji Beta testing stage (via Engadget HD).

And in this context, it appears that Fiji, the next version of Windows Media Center, built as a standalone product will offer DirectTV support. Unlike Windows XP, which featured a separate edition for Media Center, with the advent of Windows Vista, Microsoft included the product in two of the SKUs of the latest Windows client: Home Premium and Ultimate.