The beta version is almost ready. Almost means that there are few more issues to be solved before it is out. There will be messages posted here in few days describing how to get access to it, etc.
Yes, I know, it takes quite a long time. The beta is generally ready, there is still a couple of problems that is better to solve before releasing it. I'd better not say any time now, but I really believe you won't need to wait long.
