The beginning of 2012 should be placed under the sign of the public beta at Microsoft. While the first test version of Office 15 is expected for the CES in early January, the Windows 8 could follow in time, that is to say in February.

In any case, this assertion TheNextWeb site, citing sources "close to Microsoft." The timing seems logical anyway knowing that the replacement for Windows 7 is expected on computers and shelves in the fall of 2012. With a first public beta in February and a second in April why not, we can expect a RTM (Release To Manufacturer) in June or July. A release candidate could also be intercalated between or beta (s) and RTM.

It is not known however if this beta test is open to all, but it is not clear Microsoft, which made for Windows 7, go back to Windows 8. The last eight Developers Preview of Windows, which dates from September, was still incomplete at the office. Microsoft has the cut out before proposing its new operating system for wiping plaster the general public. (EP)