Several Microsoft watchers have speculated that Microsoft may release the Windows 7 beta to Microsoft Action Pack subscribers on or before the 5th January.
Microsoft posted a note to its partner site regarding the latest Microsoft Action Pack Subscription quarterly update kit. In the update Windows 7 is included as "download only". The packs content is due to start shipping on "January 5, 2009, depending on region, and continues with the first month of each subsequent quarter (January, April, July, and October). Allow 15 to 30 business days to receive your kit."
Despite the rumours we still believe that little will occur over the holiday season and Microsoft will make Windows 7 beta 1 available at Steve Ballmer's CES keynote on January 7th.
Microsoft recently sent beta invites to potential testers and Microsoft employee Scott Wylie revealed build 7004 in a blog posting last week. According to sources, Microsoft has finished the Beta 1 bits and they have been signed off as build 7000. Build 7001 and 7002 have been reserved (skipped) and 7003 onwards marks the new RC branch.
Ballmer is widely expected to announce the beta to a packed hall full off CES attendees on January 7th 2009.
Image courtesy of Rafael Rivera
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