Media Center Edition Update On the Way

Microsoft is readying an update to Windows XP Media Center Edition and has invited prospective candidates to apply for the upcoming best test. "The program will introduce you to a set of technologies providing new digital media experiences on Windows consumer PCs," according to Microsoft. Interested testers must complete a survey located at BetaPlace, and those selected will be contacted next month.

Windows XP MCE was released last fall and is available on "media center" PCs available from Hewlett-Packard, Gateway and other manufacturers.

New features of the Media Center Edition Update have not been announced by Microsoft, but the survey includes questions regarding burning and copying of DVDs. Microsoft also asks how often a candidate uploads and shares music via the Internet.

"If you are selected to participate in the beta program of this exciting new product, you will be asked to install the product and report your testing experiences to Microsoft. Reporting will include installation surveys, bug reports, and other means as required by Microsoft," Redmond beta coordinators wrote in an e-mail to candidates.

The nomination survey for the Windows XP MCE Update beta program must be filled out by February 15, 2003. Testers can access the survey by logging into BetaPlace with the appropriate country specific Guest ID. Those in the United States must use mcebetaus. Testers in the UK should use mcebetauk and applicants from France must login with mcebetafr.