Windows 8 beta launching this year, have lots to do this fall if Microsoft launch's. I'm guesting it's going to be in the same time frame as Windows 7 ether way I'm looking forward to this beta. After I spend sometime with Windows 8 and getting to know what's new I'll pick up a copy Windows 7 Professional 64-bit and Windows 7 Inside Out Deluxe Edition.
Microsoft's Steven Sinofsky stated in a blog post. We intend to post regularly throughout the development of Windows 8, and to focus on the engineering of the product.
Windows 8 Blog Post
Windows 7 Inside Out, Deluxe Edition