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I’m not one to usually brag about what betas I’ve gotten invited to (okay, maybe I brag a little), but today I opened my Inbox and was faced with this:

Here’s the text (edited out anything that would get me in trouble):

CONFIDENTIAL – PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD THIS EMAIL OR DISCLOSE ANY INFORMATION INCLUDED

Dear Microsoft Beta Tester,

The Windows Product Team recommended you as an ideal candidate for an exciting new Beta program, based on your participation as a Windows Code-Name “Longhorn” Beta tester. We value the feedback you have provided us in the past as trusted partners, and thank you for helping us make Microsoft Windows better for you and other customers. Now, you have the opportunity to continue to provide important feedback about the next generation of Microsoft products!

We are pleased to offer you an early preview of Windows Code-Name “Livephase,” by extending this invitation to join the Livephase beta program. Your participation is completely voluntary. Livephase Beta Program participants will preview software for the next generation of Windows as well as Internet Explorer 8 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. If you choose to participate you will have the opportunity to provide Microsoft with feedback as we continue work on these exciting new releases.

What is Windows Code-Name “Livephase”?

The next version of Windows, Code-Name “Livephase,” promises to be the most secure and intuitive Windows release to date. It delivers on the promise of allowing people to use their computers more effectively and confidently to achieve their goals and pursue their passions. It offers new tools to help protect the integrity of your system and your information, easier ways to find, visualize and organize your information, and provides better integration across applications, devices and systems. Most of all Windows Code-Name “Livephase” will focus on mobility and the common issues that arise when accessing multiple computers.

Livephase will provide advancements in the following key areas:

· A strong focus on the fundamentals of the operating system, including advancements in performance, mobility, and ease of use.
· Major improvements to help PC users to work smarter and provide exciting new experiences for mobile users.
· The next-generation developer platform to make it easier for developers to create breakthrough applications.

What you can expect if you choose to participate:

You will be notified by email when the software becomes available to test. The beta software will be available via download. If you elect to receive mailed releases, only major milestone releases (Beta 1, Beta 2, etc) will be sent to you. Participants can expect access to Windows, the Windows Driver Kit the Platform Software Development Kit as well as Internet Explorer 8 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. We may make other software available as well, and it’s important to note that some of the above software may not be available immediately after the program gets underway.

We are offering you this exclusive, early sneak preview of “Livephase” as part of an elite group of trusted Beta testers, because we believe that you will provide us valuable feedback, and will also respect the confidentiality of “Livephase” by not disclosing any details about this product.

If you would like to participate, please go to this URL to apply: http://connect.microsoft.com/InvitationUse.aspx?ProgramID=XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. (If this link does not work for you, copy the full link and paste it into the Web browser address bar.) You will need to register on Microsoft Connect if you have not already done so, and we will ask you to agree to a Non Disclosure Agreement before we share more details about “Livephase.”

After you complete the Non Disclosure Agreement, we will contact you with more details about “Livephase” and the Beta. Please note that the Beta is open only to those who receive this official invitation from us – please do not forward or share this invitation with anyone else.

If you choose to participate, we ask that you install the software once it is received. At a minimum we ask that you provide us feedback about your experience by reporting bugs that you encounter. We have other activities planned such as private discussion groups, online chats and chances for you to help the Windows development team test some of the new Livephase features. More details on these will follow if you choose to join the beta.

Thank-you for your participation, and we look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,
The Windows Product Team

You’ve received this email because you participated in the Windows Code-Name Longhorn beta program. If you would like to be removed from the “Livephase” beta please send an email to XXXXXXXXXX@microsoft.com with the words Opt-Out in the Subject line. We value your privacy. Please read the Privacy Statement for complete information.

Do you think this could be the codename of the Windows 7 Beta?! I mean, it talks about “mobility” and we know that Bill Gates is interested in that! It also made mention to my work as a Longhorn Beta Tester! This is so exciting!! I filled out the NDA and the only thing I get is a “Thank You” page saying that more information will be coming shortly and a picture of the logo:

It’s pretty much the same as the Vista logo, but exciting nevertheless!! I wonder how many other people got this invite! Awesome awesome news!!

EDIT (April 2nd) - Gotcha!  April Fools!!