Yes.
The beta version of Minecraft was released on December 20, 2010.* * Minecraft-beta came after Minecraft-alpha, but before Minecraft 1.0. You can play Minecraft-beta with the new launcher.
It was released on May 17, 2009, with a Beta on December 20, 2010
You cannot yet. Minecraft will probably have an update soon what will allow pistons but they are not currently in the xbox minecraft game.
No there is only pistons on the computer version
no you need minecraft beta to play beta servers
The regular download as of Minecraft 1.8 is the Beta Minecraft. The last Minecraft update I believe will be the "Final" product and official game and no longer be a game in Beta.
At the moment (April 17, 2011) it costs €14.95.
When the full Minecraft game is released you will have it if you buy the beta.
Minecraft is currently scheduled to leave beta November 18th of 2011
Beta 1.0
Nope.
Yes. And Minecraft Beta 1.8 with crafting, furnaces, chests and stuff is called "Minecraft Beta" or "Survival Mode".