Alas, its out.
http://www.jcxp.net/lh_5203_shots/

"Longhorn" Build 5203 - The Facts
13th Jul 05
Sunday night saw the release of several screenshots of "Longhorn" Build 5203. Many questions arose, in particular on Microsoft's "Longhorn" newsgroups. Mike Brannigan from Microsoft has taken the liberty to have tried to answer everyone's questions, questions often repeatedly asked. So I though maybe I could help by putting together a little FAQ concerning this particular build and the current news regarding "Longhorn" Beta 1.

Read More for the Mike Brannigan FAQ...

News Source: MSTechToday

Is "Longhorn" Build 5203 considered Beta 1?
No. Build 5203 is a daily build. Each day, Microsoft develops a new build of Longhorn as they progress and move forward. Build 5203 is just another one of those builds.

Is it true Beta Invites for the "Longhorn" Beta 1 Test phase are going out at this time?
Yes. Invites have been sent out and continue to be sent out as each day goes by. Just because you do not have an invite now does not mean you won't tomorrow or a few weeks from now.

Is Beta 1 finished?
Beta 1 is being finalized and worked on as of now (7/11) will a hopeful release to tester's hands "late summer". No exact day has been given. Microsoft wants to make sure Beta 1 is worth testing and stable to run.

Has "Longhorn" Build 5203 been "leaked" from Microsoft?
No. The only thing "leaked" are just screenshots of the build. That's it. If someone claims to have the download, be cautious as its probably not it. There has been no confirmation of any leak what-so-ever.

Can I download the current Build?
No. There is not Build online for downloading legally through Microsoft. "Longhorn" Beta 1 will be released to invited testers as well as MSDN Subscribers this summer.

...so what's this have to do with Internet Explorer 7?

I was thinking that too...

Lol yeahi saw IE7 O_O?

The screenshots...

IE 7 isn't out and neither is 5203..

Those screenshots were leaked by an MS Employee at Microsoft so we just grabbed 'em at JCXP as you do

I want longhorn now though
Is there a set date yet for it?

It just says v.7.... in the about page for IE. I assume its a pre-beta version or Alpha version of IE 7.
Kris, the release date is mid-late 2006. The beta has not come out yet, wait a few more weeks for the 1st Beta for MSDN testers(in cd format).

Longhorn free?

I cant help but notice at the Ironicy of this screen shot http://www.jcxp.net/lh_5203_shots/shots/lh6.jpg Mmmm IPB too

Yes, but to subscribed Beta testers.


The irony is in someone using the next version of windows, checking out a linux related site? :-"

Now how do I subscribe

I found this great site about Longhorn here.

GUI still can't touch OS X.

Rampant transparency is tacky, and above all NOT USEFUL!

"Ooh, you can read through windows"

I thought the whole point of a window was being able to read what's IN IT not behind it.

Really don't like it.

Most blantant spam ever

Looks like they are proud that they know how to make something transparent and are over killing it.

I can so believe you on that.

and I can so believe that the look/feel is going to change vastly before RTM just like previous releases This isn't a public release its an internal development release, maybe everything is transparent for a reason, such as to stretch the capabilities of the target platform?

While rampant transparency isn't useful, it is important to still note that transparency of entire windows can still improve usablitiy.
For example, if you are dragging a window around, if it becomes transparent, you'll be able to more clearly see what else you would be blocking by placing the window in that location.

...and, it's not like you couldn't turn the transparency OFF.

Shhhhhhhh....

Of course it will change from now to late 2006, they will likely ditch the transparency or have a feature to leave it. Im wondering where I can find the theme for this version of Longhorn though, in black it looks very cool.