14 DAY TRIAL // On the last day of February 2012
, Microsoft will show to the world the beta flavor of its Windows 8 operating system, called Consumer Preview.
The Redmond-based software giant has already confirmed the move officially, and we’re all eagerly waiting to learn more on what it has to unveil to the world on that day.
In the meantime, however, we learn that the work on the final build of the Consumer Preview is not over yet.
In fact, it appears that Microsoft is applying the final touches to the platform, and that it is currently testing beta release candidate builds for the new OS flavor.
A recent post on Winunleaked.tk shows that Microsoft has Windows 8 Consumer Preview in its Escrow period, and that they are moving along with the 822x build numbers.
In fact, screenshots of the 8220.0 build from the WinMAIN_Win8Beta branch have made it online, offering a glimpse of what the next Windows 8 Consumer Preview could offer.
Moreover, there is a screenshot coming from Microsoft themselves via Twitter, which points at Build 8225 being currently tested in the company’s labs.
And there are also a series of rumors that emerged last year, which suggest that the Windows 8 Customer Preview will arrive with build number 8227.0.winmain_win8beta.120207-1903.
Windows 8 Server will follow a similar path. Following the 8220 build (Beta Candidate) that was supposedly ready at the end of January, the platform will reach 8226 when pushed to the public.
Regardless of the actual build numbers, Windows 8 Consumer Preview will have a lot of great features to offer to those who will give it a try, even if they install it on a desktop PC.
On February 29th, Microsoft will announce the new platform release and will make it available for download for the general public. The company is also expected to unveil more info on the future roadmap of Windows 8.
Windows 8 Developer Preview Build 8102 M3 can be downloaded from Softpedia via this link.