RSSMicrosoft to Beta Wireless Network Hardware
By Nate Mook | Published February 26, 2002, 12:00 AM
Microsoft's Home Networking Group is preparing to beta test a new hardware and software product that will enable multiple wired and wireless PCs to share a broadband Internet connection. Although current details are slim, the beta is described much like current wireless gateways from companies such as Linksys and D-Link.
As Microsoft's first foray into networking hardware, this new product may prove vital to Redmond's efforts to dominate the newly-connected living room. Last month at CES, Microsoft announced new software designed to bridge the gap between personal computing and home entertainment. With devices from TiVo, Moxi Digital, SonicBlue, and even the company's Xbox sporting Internet hookups, it is no surprise that Microsoft plans to establish itself as a network contender. Microsoft's Tablet PC architecture is also set to make its debut later this year, and will rely heavily on wireless networking.
The beta program is slated to begin late March and run into early May. Microsoft is actively seeking participants who "thoughtfully complete surveys, perform some specific tests targeted at their home configuration, and use their existing Internet applications with the beta hardware and software." Although testers must return the beta kits, they will receive a final version of the product once it has been completed.
"Our goal is to have a group of testers willing to actively participate and provide useful feedback to our development team. Regular and consistent participation throughout the program is required. Please carefully consider your willingness and ability to test Wireless Home Networking," Microsoft beta coordinators wrote in an e-mail.
Those interested in applying for the beta test must complete a nomination survey on Microsoft's beta community Web site, BetaPlace. The following guest account must be used to access the survey.
- Beta ID: HomeUser
Password: Networking
I can recall a time when Microsoft's only interest was being a software company, and if I remember correctly, they said they had no interest in dealing with hardware.
I wonder exactly how far Microsoft will venture into hardware...?
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|Hey,
Has anyone got an email back from Microsoft that they have been accepted?
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|I'm guessing u have? or are u misleading us with the subject?
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|No, I haven't. I am wondering if anyone has!
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|No Reply from MS yet!
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|I think anyone that is having troubles signing up for the program shouldn't even sign up. They require technical skills in the test and if you can't even sign up for the freaking thing then you are lacking that (no offense).
Let the flaming begin...
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|Hmm, this seems interesting. Draws me in like fly to bug-zapper!!! :)
Also seems like the Audrey betatest which was very interesting.
andrew
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|That's not a survey, that's a loan application! LOL
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|This beta is by invitation only!! It is not mentioned in the above article, but if you read the entire invite e-mail sent out by Microsoft, you will see that it clearly states "By invitation only".
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|You have to have a MS Beta ID to apply for this
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|One in the letter or one in general. I logged in with my passport and did not see an option to apply for other betas. (Only saw the one I was in.)
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|I guess nobody read the paragraphs above or you would have seen that you have to log in with the Beta ID and password above to access the survey.
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|Here's where to get the info on signing up:
http://www.betaplace.com...P=mnuQA&Page=QA.htm
Once on that page, search for:
"New Program Requests"
The new program requests section will have you send an email with your info. Make sure to put "Wireless Home Networking" in the subject line of the email. And follow the format for submitting your other information.
Just thought you'd like to know...
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|They are not accepting apps from people with out a MS Beta ID #
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|The BETA ID you need is included in the article above.
No offense though, but if you can't figure that part out, you probably aren't a good choice for a beta tester.
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|Do NOT log in with your passport.
To join a new Beta program you MUST log in with the Beta ID specific to that program. For this one the ID/password are given in the article above.
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|Awwe Fewt I'm sorry...
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104-848518.html
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|No dumba**, That is the ID to login into the site.
You need a MS personal ID to be accepted into the program.
Maybe you should have read that e-mail MS sent you to test the program out.
That is if your a good enough tester to get into MS.
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|Yep, that's one *LINUX* hole. I've seen one of those over the same amount of time that I have gotten over a dozen *Microsoft Security Bulletins*. ;-)
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|Don't know what you're doing wrong, but they accepted applications from 8 separate people that I know (all without being preassigned Beta ID's) I used my Beta ID myself though.
Now, you aren't automatically accepted into the program, they will contact you for that. But you said you can't even apply without a Beta ID....and that's just flat out wrong.
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|They are accepting non-MS applications but the test is only for those that have an assigned MS Beta ID.
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|So your post of February 28th, 2002 at 9:25PM ET saying "They are not accepting apps from people with out a MS Beta ID #" was completely wrong then.
Probably should have though of that before you started calling names.
As for having to have a Beta ID to particpate in the test......yes, of course you do. You see, if they invite you to participate in the test....they assign you a Beta ID.
It's really not that difficult to follow.
Must be your first time looking into an MS Beta Test other than the "anyone who wants to run it can download it" open betas. This has been standard procedure for quite a while now.
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|They haven't had a lot of luck with the 2.4 kernel have they! It's very quickly getting a bad reputation.
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|No, I've done a few. I've applied for quite a few. But the only ones that I've been gotten are the ones I've been invited to join.
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|No, they have not. I've had tons of troubles with 2.4 myself, though now that I am running 2.4.17 my issues seem to have subsided.
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|I got the mail... this from BetaPlace.....
As a top performer in Microsoft Beta Programs, we’d like to extend you an invitation to apply as a participant in beta testing a new Microsoft product that aims to extend your Windows PC experience to anywhere in the home. "Mira" is a new set of Windows technologies powering the next generation of smart display devices. These smart display devices are expected to range, over time, from easily detachable flat-panel PC monitors to television sets.
"Mira" builds upon the secure 802.11, instant-on, accelerated graphics, and multiple CPU support delivered in Windows CE .NET, and uses Remote Desktop technology to provide seamless access to the great consumer computing experiences and support for popular applications and digital media provided in Windows XP.
"Mira" will do for the PC what the cordless handset did for the home telephone, and will make possible more "relaxed" home computing scenarios, while also delivering on the Windows functionality consumers expect.
Excited? Please take a moment to complete our nomination survey, by selecting the "Survey" link on the left.
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|IMHO this is'nt the same beta.
http://www.betanews.com/...cle.php3?sid=1010470486
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