While the interface isn't too dissimilar from that of Windows 7's desktop, it's clear that Microsoft is trying to match it to the company's Metro Start Screen by removing the see through Aero Glass effect that was originally introduced in Windows Vista.

The default colors appear to be pastel-like, but Microsoft has also opted to keep the color mixer to ensure Windows 8 users can fully customize desktop colors.

We expect there's still some tweaking going on in Redmond, so don't expect this to be final, but Microsoft has said the visual changes include "flattening surfaces, removing reflections, and scaling back distracting gradients," so we doubt Aero Glass will make a return in time for Release to Manufacturing (RTM).