Microsoft Updates Windows Media 9 Series Beta

Microsoft this week released an updated beta build of Windows Media Player 9 Series to Technical Preview participants. The new build, numbered 2903, features a completely revamped setup along with numerous bug fixes.

The default "Corona" skin has been updated and is now resizable according to beta testers. In addition, a sleek new skin dubbed "Quicksilver" is available for Windows XP users.

"We have fixed numerous bugs since the last beta refresh (build 2800). We encourage everyone --all web developers, ISVs, ICPs, etc...-- to install and provide feedback as we work towards our final release of Windows Media Player 9 Series," beta coordinators wrote in an e-mail to members of the Corona Technical Preview.

The Windows Media Player 9 Series setup now utilizes a Windows XP-style interface that allows a user to optionally configure many of the player's preferences. A special emphasis has been placed on privacy, with a two-tabbed screen providing descriptions of what data is exchanged over the Internet and a copy of Microsoft's privacy statement.

A public beta of Windows Media 9 Series, code-named Corona, was launched at a star-studded event in Los Angeles on September 4. Microsoft subsequently released a beta refresh build of Windows Media Player 9 Series on September 24 to primarily fix firewall connectivity issues.