According to several news reports, the leaked version can currently be fairly easily found on several BitTorrent sites. It is the Beta 1 version, and according to those who have tested the software, including ZDNet's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, it's "very similar" to the prerelease beta Microsoft gave testers in October.
Many industry watchers predicted that Microsoft would provide early previews of the beta to customers during the holidays. That preview appears not to have happened, although some commenters are wondering whether Microsoft leaked the beta on purpose. Microsoft has not commented on that speculation or the leak itself.
While Microsoft has not said exactly when in January it will release the beta, it is widely believed that the company will distribute it at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) taking place this week in Las Vegas.
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