Mendlen also announced that Visual Studio 7 will go into alpha test in the third quarter, into beta test in the fourth quarter and that "we will ship it when it's ready, " he said.

CNN: Technology - Gates offers developers glimpse of Next Generation Windows

Separately, CrackBerry has heard the same from its sources, along with word that more internal employees are becoming a part of the beta test group (already plugging away since May on alpha dev units like the one shown above) as well.

ENGADGET: RIM is taking two BlackBerry 10 beta units on tour soon for carrier previews