Microsoft today officially announced the name of its next Windows operating system version as well as the names for the different editions. Three editions will be available: Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro will available for x86 processors (both 32 and 64 bit). They will be joined by Windows RT which will come pre-installed on PCs and tablets powered by ARM processors.
Windows 8 Pro will build on Windows 8 by adding features such as encryption, virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity. Windows Media Center will also be available as an economical “media pack” add-on to Windows 8 Pro. A third version, Windows 8 Enterprise, will be available to enterprise customers with Software Assurance agreements. It will include all the features of Windows 8 Pro as well as features such as PC management and deployment, advanced security, virtualization, new mobility scenarios, and much more.
Windows RT will come with touch-optimized desktop versions of the new Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. No other x86/64 and desktop software will run on Windows RT. Instead, users will have access to Metro apps built using the new WinRT development environment, “the foundation of a new generation of cloud-enabled, touch-enabled, web-connected apps of all kinds.”
Microsoft promises that more information about Windows 8, including details on pricing, will be made available in the coming months.
Read more: Microsoft