Bill Gates today announced at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) 2006 the immediate availability of Beta 2 versions of the three Microsoft flagship products. This is the first time that Microsoft has released such a trio simultaneously.

“The release of these three betas is a significant milestone for Microsoft and a major step toward delivering the platforms that will drive the next decade of computing,� Gates said. “The combination of these innovative platform technologies and the new hardware and software being developed by our partners will make PCs and other devices more powerful, more useful and more intelligent for businesses today and into the future.�

Yeah right. But if you have a MSDN or TechNet subscription, or are a member of the Technology Adoption Program (TAP) or TechBeta program you can download the Vista and ‘Longhorn’ Betas now to try for yourself. Microsoft will start the Windows Vista Customer Preview Program (CPP) within a few weeks. However, anyone can download the freely available 2007 Microsoft Office System Beta 2 right now.