14 DAY TRIAL // Next month, Microsoft should make the beta version of Windows 8 available for public download, following the release of a Developer Preview in September last year.
In this regard, some new details on the Windows 8 Beta roadmap have emerged, suggesting that the build might be ready for preview as soon as January 30.
At the moment, Windows 8 is still in a pre-Beta state, and should remain the same until January 21, WinUnleaked reports.
Starting with January 23, it will enter the Beta Escrow period, and testers will have until January 28 to vote for the Beta final build.
After Windows 8 Beta is signed off, Microsoft is expected to display it during an internal preview.
The news site also notes that the currently targeted build number for Windows 8 Beta is 8200.winmain_win8b1.
Previously, Microsoft confirmed that it was targeting the second half of February as the release timeframe for the beta flavor of Windows 8.
Some suggested that there might be a connection between Windows 8 Beta’s release date and the Mobile World Congress that will kick off in Barcelona in late February.
Since Windows 8 will target tablet PCs, chances are that we’ll see new such devices being showcased at the event.
Microsoft already demoed Windows 8 on a Samsung tablet PC, and it should be only a matter of time before more such devices are being unveiled.
Compared to the Developer Preview, the Beta version of Windows 8 will bring along some new UI changes, along with a resizable on-screen keyboard and access to the Windows 8 Store.
Following the February release in Beta, Windows 8 should hit Gold sometime towards mid-2012. The first tablet PCs running under it are expected to be released in late 2012, and should pack Intel processors inside. Windows 8-based ARM tablets might not arrive on shelves before the end of this year.
You can download the Windows 8 Developer Preview Build 8102 M3 from Softpedia via this link.