This post originated from an RSS feed registered with .NET Buzz by Sam Gentile. Original Post: No Vista Beta 2 This Year but WindowBlinds 5! Feed Title: Sam Gentile's Blog Feed URL: http://samgentile.com/blog/Rss.aspx Feed Description: .NET and Software Development from an experienced perspective - .NET/CLR, Rotor, Interop, MC+/C++, COM+, ES, Mac OS X, Extreme Programming and More! Latest .NET Buzz Posts Latest .NET Buzz Posts by Sam Gentile Latest Posts From Sam Gentile's Blog

The second beta of Windows Vista will not come until next year, Microsoft said Tuesday. The software maker did not give a time frame for the release of Beta 2 of the operating system, and said only that it would have more to say next year. Microsoft had not said when Beta 2 will come, but some had expected it might come in December or January. Microsoft did say it still plans to release the final version of Vista in the second half of next year. "First and foremost, we are still on track for general availability in the second half of calendar year 2006," said Amitabh Srivastava, a corporate vice president in Microsoft's Windows unit.

Also, apparently there is no Nov or Dec Vista test builds for us Connect testers (-.

But this made my day - check this out! One of the most anticipated features in Windows Vista is its redesigned user interface that features glass-like title bars and alpha blended windows. But with the upgrade a year away, Stardock has released WindowBlinds 5 to offer Windows XP users the same capabilities right now.
Photos: View images of WindowBlinds 5

Look at the photos and you judge! I've got it installed and I have the full Beta 2 Glass title bars, alpha blended windows, new Start menu, etc. Check out this theme I have installed. Full Glass effects and lots of other stuff! Its freaking unbelievable!!