3 will win a digital picture frame, says Microsoft.
The bug challenge concerns the downloadable beta version -- termed a CTP (community technology preview) by Microsoft -- of
Windows Embedded Standard (WES) that was released last week. Available as a fully functional DVD .ISO image, the CTP release uses the Windows XP Embedded codebase but adds
Service Pack 3 (SP3) upgrades, Vista-style
Network Access Protection (NAP),
Silverlight,
.NET Framework 3.5,
Remote Desktop 6.1, and other new features. (For more details, see our earlier coverage,
here.)
The WES installer is included on a downloadable .ISO
(Click to enlarge)According to an email sent to those who downloaded the WES CTP, more than 600 people have tried out the new embedded operating system, and made comments that have already resulted in improved documentation. But, says Microsoft, in an effort to garner more "unique, useful feedback," it will now give away twelve different Samsung
SPF-83H eight-inch digital photo frames, said to be worth $170 apiece.
In order to win, participants must download and install WES, then submit bug reports in one or more of twelve categories by the end of Jul. 3. Entries will be judged on the severity, quantity, and reproducibility of the bugs entered, according to Microsoft.
The twelve WES bug challenge categories were listed by Microsoft as follows:
Further informationAs Microsoft has now confirmed, the freely downloadable CTP version of WES is fully functional but will time out after 120 days. Planned for final release in the fourth quarter, WES costs $995 for its tools, plus a $90 license for each shipping device based on it. Those who purchase Windows XP Embedded in the interim will receive a free upgrade to WES, the company adds.
For more information on WES, see Microsoft's website,
here. To download the CTP or newly updated information, go
here [login with a Windows Live ID required].
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