Lots of stuff going around on Fiji, and while I can’t say as much as I’d like too I can say that no single person has put all the pieces together yet.  Word is that Fiji final name is indeed Windows Media Center TV Pack, and useless a separate product pops up out of nowhere I’d consider that pretty concrete.  Microsoft let that bit slip themselves by releasing a few knowledge base articles specifically about the TV Pack.

Engadget HD runs down what they expect to be in the update, and Brent Evans covers more of the news from a few different sources as does Mary Jo.

Now, I still can’t say much about it because of various different NDAs, but I can say there are still pieces missing from people accounts of how this is going to work and/or what is included in the update.  Good or bad however, I can’t say so you will have to wait.  Microsoft has hinted that the official announcement for Fiji will come at CEDIA in September.

On to what I can say, this beta has been a disaster if you look at it with an outside perspective.  I am very disappointed on how many people are leaking stuff, and if you thought a two year wait for a public beta was long for Fiji I’d suggest you not get your hopes up about testing anything else related to Media Center in the future.  Based on the disregard of the testers I wouldn’t be surprised if Microsoft cut out a public beta until everything is finalized for the next release.  You can thank your fellow beta testers for screwing you out of a possible opportunity. 

I’m also very disappointed at the collective attitude of The Green Button.  Not because Fiji might be OEM only, not because it might be missing DIRECTV support, not because of any included or missing feature but instead because of the childish name calling and activity that has gone on.  The Green Button used to be a community that pretty much moderated itself, but of course the second I get busy at work all hell breaks loss and people turn into name calling teenagers.  You can all do better, and I expect to see it.

Just because Microsoft bought The Green Button does not mean they will reply to all threads about unreleased and/or unannounced software.  Everyone needs to realize this.  Microsoft employees have been being more active in the forums, and considering this ownership transition is just starting it will take time for things to change.  Those who insist on flaming and name calling any member, Microsoft employed or not, will not be welcome at The Green Button.

I will have more on Fiji when I can talk about it, but sadly at this point all I can say is above.