For me the most interesting parts of Windows 8 Beta are: - Metro and Aero Theme in "classic" desktop, especially Explorer with Ribbons - Personalization possibilities in Metro UI, especially start screen - How will it be possible to avoid Metro if you are only using "classic" desktop The more customizable Metro UI is the better Metro UI will be. This green background from the Alphas and Dev. Preview was annoying after a short time. It's good, that you can change this background colour in the Beta, but that's by far not enough. And I hate that all live tiles linked with a "classic desktop"-program have uniformly one single colour without differentiation and that there is so much wasted space if you compare it with the old start menu, which was a compact list of programs. The new Metro start screen will never be able to replace the old start menu if it's less functional than the old start menu.
Still no "Windows 8" branding on the installer screens, what about winver? I guess there won't be any major changes in the classic UI after Beta
I think the only reason why MS will not release Windows 8 Beta in CES is because the Windows Store is not ready yet.
Ask the leaker. Your dream might come true. Remember what happen with WDP. Same might happen with Beta.
I did not say leaked. WDP was released on BUILD event while we all waited for it to leak. So Beta might be released on CES.