Microsoft Details Windows 8 ARM Launch
Rumour had it that the ARM version of Windows 8 wouldn’t support most apps nor would it have access to the desktop. But Microsoft has just detailed its progess on the ARM version of Windows 8, and it looks promising.
Redmond has announced that Windows 8 will be shipping at the same time as the X86 version of the platform, meaning we should be seeing ARM tablets at launch. What’s more, they announced that the ARM tablets will feature the desktop mode, an integral part of the experience if you like window management or the file explorer.
Previous evidence suggested that the company was planning on forgoing the desktop on ARM devices, but that was likely down to the state of the platform. Apparently Microsoft has managed to make enough progress to include it as a feature. The ARM version of Windows 8, however, will not support legacy software. Only new code will run on it.
Microsoft also detailed the next version of Microsoft Office a bit, and leaked a few choice tidbits. Office 15 will be designed first for ARM tablets, meaning that it is optimized for touch and power efficiency. Which might be the reason that it is dropping the ribbon, which has to be one of the most annoying user interfaces ever.
One last interesting note: the ARM version of Windows 8 will not be available to consumers. The only way to get your hands on it will be to buy a product that already has it on it. Microsoft has been working with hardware partners to get products ready for release. I’m not sure where this leaves Nvidia’s desktop ARM processor, as it wouldn’t make much sense to have one of those available without a copy of Windows 8 to stick it on, but there you go. Perhaps Microsoft will change its stance after a brief period of exclusivity to its vendors.
All in all, Windows 8 is shaping up to be an interesting platform. We’ll have to see whetehr interesting equates with good, though.
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