Microsoft could show off a pre-beta version of Windows 8 next week at its Worldwide Partner Conference, according to WinRumors and other sources.

With WPC 2011 officially kicking off July 11, WinRumors cited a tweet on Tuesday from an account called @MSFTtm, which said that "Microsoft will release a CTP [Community Technology Preview] build of Windows 8" at the conference. Though a single tweet from an unverified source hardly makes it a done deal, WinRumors says this particular tweeter has been accurate in the past with news about Windows 8 builds.

Adding further fire to the rumors, tech site Windows 8 Beta says that "two independent sources" confirmed its earlier report that Microsoft would unveil the pre-beta build at WPC 2011. The site also claims that Microsoft will release the pre-beta builds to its gold partners just after the conference.

More: http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-20077466-75/