New Windows XP SP2 Beta Build Due Soon

A little birdy has whispered in our ear and has let us know that Microsoft are planning to release a new SP2 build to its beta testers very soon. We're currently waiting on a build that is "fit" (in simple terms) to go out to beta testers and Microsoft is taking every effort to ensure the release of this interim build is a smooth one unlike the Beta 1 where 1000's of testers were left waiting to download the release.

This evening Microsoft held a online meeting for 'Lonestar' (Tablet PC 2004) testers where they demo'd a new build of XPSP2 which apparently included the Tablet PC bits. This build was Build 2600.xpsp.040213-1845(Service Pack 2, v.2081) which means it was compiled on the 13th February 2004. According to sources close to Microsoft we're likely to see a new build released to testers that will include the 'Lonestar' bits as early as next week.

Update: To confirm users comments on this news, Microsoft are updating the Windows XP icons across the OS in SP2 so any old icons should be updated from now on keeping the consistent look of XP which is good news to people who like theme-ing their Windows installations.

Screenshot: Windows XP SP2 Build 2081