Windows Vista Beta Set for Wednesday

Sources are reporting that Microsoft will beat its August 3 deadline for delivering Beta 1 of Longhorn, now known as Windows Vista, with a release to testers on Wednesday. Beta 1 is not expected to include the operating system's new name, which will likely be added for a beta refresh due in September for Microsoft's PDC 2005 conference.

Windows Vista Beta 1 will initially be available to a small group of testers via Microsoft's new Connect beta portal. MSDN subscribers will receive access to the first beta bits on August 3. Build 5112 will carry the official Beta 1 label, according to Windows Enthusiast site WinBeta.