Windows 8: the first public beta expected in February?

According to TheNextWeb, citing sources familiar with the matter, Microsoft will launch the first public beta of Windows 8 at the end of February. A calendar appears fairly obvious, since the official launch of the OS is scheduled for fall 2012.It is not clear if this beta will be open to everyone, but as was the case with Windows 7, it would be surprising if Microsoft does not repeat the experience.