On Sept. 13, Microsoft took the unusual step of making a downloadable Windows 8 Developer Preview Edition available not just to insiders, but to anyone who wants it. By 10:30 a.m. PT the next day, more than 500,000 copies of the Windows 8 Developer Preview software had been downloaded, according to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer -- now, the number of instances in the wild is likely incalculable, due to the build's being available via peer-to-peer file sharing networks and other unofficial channels.


Windows 8's Metro-style Start Screen (left) and traditional desktop (right)
(Click either to enlarge)

Redmond stressed that the Preview Edition was far from feature-complete, adding that it had released the software mostly to let users experience the new "Metro-style" Start Screen (above left), which is provided along with a traditional desktop (above right). Almost immediately, however, tinkers began working with the software to remove perceived limitations, such as the fact that the Start Screen background was limited to a default green shade. (The image below, for example, shows a Preview Edition copy whose Start Screen has been altered via a third-party utility.)

Windows 8 with a custom Start Page background
(Click to enlarge)

According to WinRumors blogger Tom Warren, Microsoft is in the process of altering Windows 8 to permit color customization, and, of course, making many other changes too. Noting that September's Preview Edition was marked as build 8102 with a compile date of August 23th, he points to the My Digital Life website, which listed the following successors:

• 8105.0.winmain.110829-1501
• 8106.0.winmain.110830-1723
• 8107.0.winmain.110831-1740
• 8108.0.winmain.110901-1858
• 8119.0.winmain.110920-1902
• 8121.0.winmain.110922-1933
• 8125.0.winmain.110929-1850
• 8126.0.winmain.110930-1810
• 8127.0.winmain.111003-1710
• 8128.0.winmain.111004-1854
• 8129.0.winmain.111005-1803
• 8130.0.winmain.111006-1907
• 8131.0.winmain.111007-1820
• 8132.0.winmain.111010-2121
• 8136.0.winmain.111014-1845
• 8137.0.winmain.111017-1740
• 8139.0.winmain.111019-1845
• 8140.0.winmain.111020-1857
• 8141.0.winmain.111021-1815
• 8142.0.winmain.111025-1835
• 8143.0.winmain.111026-1832
• 8148.0.winmain.111103-1846
• 8150.0.winmain.111107-1833
• 8152.0.winmain.111109-1832
• 8153.0.winmain.111110-1848
• 8154.0.winmain.111111-1830
• 8155.0.winmain.111114-1813
• 8156.0.winmain.111116-1900

As far as we're aware, none of these builds has been available to the general public. (We've kept our Developer Preview edition updated via Windows Update, but that didn't change the build.)

A report on Winunleaked.tk, however, reports obtaining a build that lets users customize the Start Screen with either a solid color or a background picture, as shown below. The blog adds that Windows 8 will also provide a summary view that allows users to arrange applications and live tiles in groups.

Windows 8 Start Screen customization
Source: Winunleaked.tk
(Click to enlarge)

While no one outside Microsoft has a firm handle on when Windows 8 will be released in public beta form, WinRumors' Warren echoes most observers in saying, "If Windows 8 beta isn't ready for CES 2012, then expect it shortly afterwards." Such a release would put Microsoft safely on track for a final version in late summer or early fall 2012.

Jonathan Angel can be reached at jonathan.angel@ziffdavisenterprise.com and followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.

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