It’s been a busy day today with many rumors of Windows 8 beta public release doing the rounds since yesterday. Earlier today we reported about the release rumored to be in February.Rumors earlier this year pinned a beta offering for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2012 but it appears Microsoft is not targeting a release for this particular event. TNW reported on Thursday that the company is planning to offer a beta copy in late February.
As of now, it appears the Windows 8 beta would eventually miss the CES 2012 bus, but its is expected to be made available in late January. Microsoft will demonstrate a near final beta copy of Windows 8 alongside a Metro version of its Office product at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, according to one source. Microsoft is planning to provide a preview copy of its next-generation Office 15 suite in late January too.
However, very less is known of the features which are set for Microsoft’s Windows 8 beta. Recently leaked screenshots indicate that Microsoft will allow users to change the Start Screen color and the Start Screen background image in beta copies of Windows 8. Microsoft has previously detailed some other minor improvements to the Windows 8 beta. Users will be able to create, name and rearrange Start Screen groups as well as navigate with the Windows 8 Apps screen in a better way.
Microsoft is planning to use grouping for applications which will make it easier for users to identify them in Windows 8 beta. Windows Media Center will also return to Windows 8 beta along with the Windows games, DVD creator and .NET 3.5.,currently all of them are missing from the Windows 8 Developer Preview.
