Microsoft expands XP SP3 beta, but not yet to public

Microsoft late Monday expanded its beta test of Windows XP Service Pack 3 to subscribers of its MSDN and TechNet programs, releasing what is being called a "near-final release candidate." The move is likely harbinger of a public beta, as the latest SP3 code will be in the hands of far more than the 15,000 who originally were given access in mid-November.

Noted Microsoft pundit Mary Jo Foley says the public release of an XP SP3 beta could come as early as next week, when a public test build of Windows Vista SP1 is said to be slated for release. A final version of both service packs are currently scheduled for the first half of next year, "based on customer feedback." Vista SP1 will likely arrive sooner than XP SP3, possibly in February.