14 DAY TRIAL // The wait is closing in on a new release of Windows XP Embedded. Microsoft has announced that a Community technology Preview will be made available soon. However, the Redmond Company failed to disclose the actual date when it plans to deliver the CTP. The name of the upcoming release, keeping in line with past Community Technology Previews is Windows XP Embedded SP2 Feature Preview 2008. According to Microsoft, the participants of the CTP programs for Feature Pack 2007 and Image Difference Engine will receive emails announcing the release of Windows XP Embedded SP2 FP2008 in the coming weeks.
"The goal of this program is to provide our partners with an opportunity to evaluate and test the upcoming version before it is released to market. "Feature Preview 2008" will provide an opportunity for you to evaluate the following Vista functionality & components for Windows XP Embedded: Windows Media? Player 11, Windows? Internet Explorer? 7, Microsoft .NET 3.0 Framework, Remote Desktop Protocol 6.0, and User-Mode Driver Framework (UMDF)," revealed Shayna Begun, Program Manager with the Embedded Windows team.
Microsoft also informed that only a short period of time will be dedicated to this release. In this regard, the Redmond Company is asking all the CTP participants to deliver their feedback by March 23rd, 2007. Failing to do so will mean that Microsoft will not be able to review your input and incorporate it in the final release.
If you are not a former CTP participant for Feature Pack 2007 and Image Difference Engine then you have to head over at the Microsoft Connect web site, sign in with a Windows Live ID, access Available Connections and then apply to Windows XP Embedded.