Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) Beta has been available for Microsoft Technet subscribers and MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network) subscribers for a while now. With the public direct download links given below, regular users too can now experience the beta version of Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (KB948465). From what I have gathered, some (not all) of the new features in Vista SP2 include Bluetooth 2.1 feature pack, ability to record/read data on new Blu-Ray media, Windows Connect Now (WCN), Windows Search 4, Vista feature pack for Wireless, support for new form factors and so on. Additionally, SP2 includes all security and reliability updates released for Vista up to now and includes a number of new reliability and security enhancements as well.
Developer Description
Windows Vista introduces a breakthrough user experience and is designed to help you feel confident in your ability to view, find, and organize information and to control your computing experience.
The visual sophistication of Windows Vista helps streamline your computing experience by refining common window elements so you can better focus on the content on the screen rather than on how to access it. The desktop experience is more informative, intuitive, and helpful. And new tools bring better clarity to the information on your computer, so you can see what your files contain without opening them, find applications and files instantly, navigate efficiently among open windows, and use wizards and dialog boxes more confidently.
Download
Before you download, make sure you have an English, French, German, Japanese or Spanish Windows Vista installation. These updates will not work for any other localized versions of Vista. Also, keep in mind that this is BETA software.
Note : All download links given below are direct links from official Microsoft servers (no 3rd party links). Note that SP2 beta is compatible with both Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.
Service Pack 2 standalone installer for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 32-Bit (X86) [Download Description] [Direct Download Link] – 434MB
Service Pack 2 standalone installer for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 64-Bit (x64) [Download Description] [Direct Download Link] – 726MB
Service Pack 2 DVD ISO for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 32-bit (x86) and 64-Bit (x64) [Download Description] [Direct Download Link] – 1229MB
[Click Here] to view full release notes for Windows Vista Service Pack 2
[Click Here] to view a complete list of hotfixes and security updates included with Windows Vista Service Pack 2
