The Embedded Systems Conference Silicon Valley 2008 in San Jose was the stage where Microsoft unveiled its plans for Windows XP Embedded. Scheduled for availability by the end of 2008, the next generation of Windows XP Embedded was rebranded as Windows Embedded Standard, as an integral part of the label overhauling for the Windows Embedded family of products. And Microsoft is now preparing to give the first taste of the Windows Embedded Standard, which will be delivered for testing early next month.

"In the first week of June we'll have a Community Technology Preview (CTP) of our next product release ready for you to download and try out - Windows Embedded Standard! What is Windows Embedded Standard? It is the next generation of Windows XP Embedded. It delivers the power, familiarity, and reliability of the Windows operating system to help you rapidly configure devices that easily connect to many common industry standards and Microsoft technologies", revealed Shayna Begun, Program Manager in the Vertical Industry and Embedded Windows (VIEW) team at Microsoft.

Microsoft is currently accepting participants for the Community Technology Preview via the Windows Embedded Standard Connect Site. In the Connection Directory users only need to access the Windows Embedded Standard program and apply for a test drive. According to Begun, Microsoft considers the CTP of Windows Embedded Standard as a Beta release and is looking to receive as much feedback as possible in order to perfect the operating system.

"We have a fairly short window of time for folks to give us feedback on this release, so we'd like to ask that you please allocate time in your schedule to download, try out, and give us your feedback as soon as it is available. In order to allow us enough time to review and possibly incorporate feedback into the final product, feedback should be submitted through the Connect site before July 7th, 2008", Begun added.