Microsoft today released its latest Community Technology Preview version of Windows Vista, one of several test versions of the forthcoming operating system that will be released between the main beta releases.

Stealing some of Bill Gates' CES opening keynote thunder, Microsoft said that the preview is set to take centre stage at the consumer show.

In a conference call with media, Shanen boettcher: senior director windows client group said:

"You are going to see some updates to the Media Center user interface, that 10 foot remote control that you may be familiar with in Windows Media Center. You are going to see some updates there as well as update to the media player, Media Player 11. You will see how it is consistent with the integration and use of search throughout the system – the very visual aspects of using thumb nailing to give the end user a better view of their information and better focus. As we head into CES you will see us focus more on these areas. But for the December CTP, we are really focused on the areas of security, performance and mobility as the key things in the feedback areas."

The company later further clarified that it is already shipping the new functionalities, including Media Player 11, in the CTP that was released on Monday. It just won't make a lot of noise about it, opting to wait until January instead.

Microsoft planning to demonstrate beta software... does Bill Gates really want to risk repeating last year's CES demo debacle?

Tags: bill Gates, Windows vista, CES