Microsoft has released a new test version of WinXP SP3 to beta testers this week. The software giant claims the final version should be ready in the first half of next year.

The SP3 update for the six-year-old operating system is due out in final form in the first half of next year. The company said before its final release it expects to issue a public test version of the service pack, though it did not provide more specificity than at a later date. Microsoft is targeting the first half of 2008 for the release of XP SP3.

Speculation over the timing and features of the release has been going on for years. The release was initially expected as early as 2006, but was pushed out as Vista work remained the priority for the Windows team. The first service pack for Windows Vista is also due out in the first half of next year.

Source: CNET