Intel: Four Versions of ARM-Friendly Windows 8, No Legacy Software Support

(Note: Not real)

The Windows 8 news and rumors have quieted down recently, but Bloomberg just posted an article that should help revive some of the talk again. According to Intel's software head, Renee James, Microsoft's tablet plans are taking a different direction from Apple's one-size-fits-all approach:

Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) will make multiple versions of its next Windows operating system, with four that work on ARM Holdings Plc (ARM) technology, according to an Intel Corp. (INTC) executive.

The version designed for Intel chips will run older Windows programs, Renee James, head of Intel’s software business, said today in a presentation at the company’s Santa Clara, California, headquarters. The ARM versions won’t run older programs, she said. They will be tailored to mobile devices and tablet computers and there will also be a version for Intel chips to address that market.

Yes, just like their desktop strategy in the past Microsoft could be unveiling multiple versions of Windows 8 for ARM (i.e. mobile/tablet) chipsets. We're just a little worried that we'll be seeing the same kind of mess Windows 7 devolved into, the result being something like: Windows 8 Starter Tablet, Home Premium Tablet, Business Tablet, Ultimate Tablet. There probably wouldn't be too much of a difference either, unless each one is going to be designed with specific hardware horsepower in mind.

The second part of this story worth noting is the fact that said tablet-friendly versions of Windows 8 will not support the massive amounts of x86 software that Windows 7 and XP currently do. That means you won't be seeing programs like MetroTwit run on any future Windows 8 tablets unless they are redesigned to support ARM chips (and most likely approved by the upcoming App Store). Don't worry though, because at least the desktop versions of Windows 8 are keeping the backwards compatibility.

What do you think about Microsoft's future Windows 8 tablet strategy? Does it seem too complicated? Or is it exactly the kind of sophistication needed to make tablets really work?

Source: Bloomberg