Microsoft is getting close to the beta launch of Windows 8 and a few new screenshots of one of the latest builds has leaked. The screenshots have been independently confirmed by Canouna and show the name “Consumer Preview” which indicates previous rumors that the beta tag would be dropped; images are from PC Beta.com
Another big change is that you will notice the start orb is now gone. This is another big change that will be in the Consumer Preview and shows, again, how Windows 8 will break from the mold of previous versions of windows.
Windows 8 screenshots of build 8220 leak, new info surfaces - Neowin.net