Earlier today Microsoft released the second beta of their Remote Desktop Connection application. This new version introduces an updated user interface (not sure if its worse or better), Universal binary support, Vista support, dynamic window resizing and quite a bit more. It is good to see Microsoft update this utility as it is a crucial part of my workflow. The previous version of the Remote Desktop Connection was a PowerPC only application that was quickly becoming dated. I was able to verify that this new version works flawlessly in OS X Leopard. Read on for a complete list of new features and a screenshot.

Download from Microsoft.com

* Universal Binary - Runs natively on both Intel-based and PowerPC-based Macs.
* Remote Desktop Protocol 6.0 - Provides better compatibility with Windows Vista, improved security features, and many other improvements.
* Improved User Experience - Provides a true Mac experience and improved usability.
* Improved Customization Options - Lets you change application preferences, including keyboard shortcuts, while you are running a session. Changes take effect the next time that you connect.
* Dynamic Screen Resizing - Lets you resize your session window or switch to full-screen mode during a session.
* Improved Printing Support - Supports all configured printers on your Mac. No longer limited to PostScript printers.
* Multiple Sessions (Improved in Beta 2) - Improvements to File menu commands and connection files let you connect to multiple Windows-based computers at the same time.
* Network Level Authentication (NLA) Support (New in Beta 2) - Helps provide greater security when connecting to computers running Windows Vista.
* Auto Reconnect (New in Beta 2) - Supports automatic reconnection when a network connection to a remote session is lost.
* Wide Screen Support (New in Beta 2) - Supports optimal resolution settings for wide screen displays.