The fact that Service Pack 3 for Windows XP has never been at the top of Microsoft's priorities list is reverberating to additional platforms on top of the Windows client. In this context, while Windows XP Embedded SP3 is being virtually ignored, its successor, Windows Embedded Standard 2009, is offering testers the possibility to win prizes for downloads of the recently released Community technology Preview Build. Microsoft is going to great lengths to promote downloads of the latest development milestone of Windows Embedded Standard 2009, namely CTP Refresh.

Shayna Begun, a Program Manager in the Vertical Industry and Embedded Windows (VIEW) team, revealed the introduction of the Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard CTP Refresh Sweepstakes. "We announced a new contest on the Windows Embedded Standard Connect Website. If you download the Windows Embedded Standard CTP Refresh between 8/18/08 and 8/29/08, you can be entered for a chance to win a Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000. We will be giving away ten (10) of these prizes. You can read the full sweepstakes rules here," Begun explained.

Windows Embedded Standard 2009 is planned for general availability at the end of 2008, and has been accessible to testers since last week. Obviously, Microsoft is dealing with a shortage of testers and is using the sweepstakes as an incentive to get the successor of Windows XP Embedded tested. Concomitantly with the Windows Embedded Standard 2009 CTP Refresh, Microsoft also dropped a Community Technology Preview of Windows XP Embedded Service Pack 3, but the contest is valid only for the next generation of the Windows Embedded operating system, and not for the evolution of XPe.

"This comfortable, ground-breaking mouse is the most advanced mobility tool available. Including 1 gigabyte (GB) of flash memory in the transceiver frees USB ports and lets you easily back up and transfer files. You can even continue to work while your mouse is charging. Features include: transceiver with 1 GB Flash Memory; 2.4 GHz Wireless Technology; USB Rechargeable with Magnetic Connectors; High Definition Laser Technology; Battery Life Indicator. So make sure you download the CTP Refresh soon to get your chance to win," Begun added.