Microsoft Connect will be releasing Microsoft Connect 2.0 in a couple of weeks. With this new release will can expect to see many more new features, especially in the area of feedback and access level on the betas, here’s a more detailed post about this update:

This new release of Connect will allow users to provide feedback to product groups on many levels. Unlike the PFC, Connect which supports only a single feedback form for both suggestions and bug submissions, Connect 2.0 may present users with several forms from which they can submit feedback. These feedback forms are organized on major categories, Bugs, Suggestions, and Other. Other is a new category which allows product groups at Microsoft to collect feedback on other items that are not typically bugs or suggestions. The gives product groups more flexibility in targeting their users directly with the type of feedback desired rather than trying to use one form to gather multiple levels of information.

Another new concept in feedback for Connect V2.0 is the advent of Anonymous browsing. Some sites on Connect will enable the ability for users to view and search feedback without having to sign into Passport or be a registered member of Connect. However, to fully participate in such activities voting, watching items, and/or submitting feedback, users must be signed into Passport and be a registered member on Connect.

Unlike the Product Feedback Center, Connect is designed to offer more than just a location to submit/view/search feedback. Connect provides product groups at Microsoft the ability to create an extended community experience by also including such things as the articles, downloads and associated newsgroups. (Note, some activities require users to be registered on Connect and/or may also require the user to be an active member of a program within the site.) Previously, customers may have had to go to several sites to obtain all the relevant information concerning a product, release or group at Microsoft. Connect vision is to consolidate these functions all within one location.

Via: Microsoft Connect Feedback Blog