Shoutbox

I have not breached any Non-Disclosure agreements with Microsoft to bring you this information.  It has all publicly leaked at the source below by other users.

The Microsoft Windows Longhorn Pre-Beta Program has begun.  At press time, it seems that Beta Build #5203 is not yet on Microsoft's MSDN/TechNet Subscribers Area.

Microsoft is offering a selected group of testers an early preview of Windows, Code-Name "Longhorn,". Longhorn Beta Program participants will preview software for the next generation of Windows as well as Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

Some more details now emerging from the Microsoft Camp.  The official Beta (this is Pre-Beta Preview for select users) will begin with in the next 2 weeks (By July 23rd, 2005). A revised edition of Longhorn #5203 is expected with bug fixes from the Preview Release.

There is also a *rumor* that Longhorn Testers will also get an automatic acceptance in the Windows OneCare program, should they choose to, so they can test that on Longhorn as well.

Longhorn will provide advancements in the following key areas:

• A strong focus on the fundamentals of the operating system, including advancements in reliability, performance, deployment, and ease of use.
  
• Major improvements to help PC users to work smarter and provide exciting new experiences for home users.
  
• The next-generation developer platform to make it easier for developers to create breakthrough applications.

[Edit: Microsoft have been requesting that screenshots posted on the internet be removed.]

Source: Neowin.net

Do not request links with in this thread!!  They will not be given!

Some things to consider:

• No release date has been officially confirmed by Microsoft; Rumored to be in the First or Second Quarter of 2006
  
• Added details above about the official Beta Test
  
• Microsoft Connect has been identified as the Distribution Medium. Select Existing Users as of 7/10/05 will recieve One-time-use invitation IDs for the Beta Program.  Registering today will not gain you access to the Beta Program.
  
• I will update this post when new details become available