14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8, the next version of Microsoft’s popular operating system, will arrive on shelves with increased flexibility to fit user’s needs, and this applies to its various editions as well.
Following a long series of rumors on the number and variety of Windows 8 SKUs that Microsoft will make available later this year, the Redmond-based software giant stepped up and provided us with all the necessary details on the matter.
First, we should note that Windows 8 has been confirmed as the official product name for the upcoming x86/64 editions of Windows.
There will be two Windows flavors loaded on all PCs and tablets that are powered by x86 processors (both 32 and 64 bit), namely Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.
The latter was meant to enable tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals to take advantage of a wider range of Windows 8 technologies. It packs encryption, virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity atop Windows 8’s features.
“Windows Media Center will be available as an economical “media pack” add-on to Windows 8 Pro. If you are an enthusiast or you want to use your PC in a business environment, you will want Windows 8 Pro,” Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc explains in a blog post.
“For many consumers, Windows 8 will be the right choice. It will include all the features above plus an updated Windows Explorer, Task Manager, better multi-monitor support and the ability to switch languages on the fly, which was previously only available in Enterprise/Ultimate editions of Windows,” he continues.
Along with these, there will be a Windows 8 edition specifically designed for those enterprise customers with Software Assurance agreements. Dubbed Windows 8 Enterprise, it will include Windows 8 Pro’s features, along with specific features for IT organization.
The Enterprise flavor of Windows 8 will arrive with enhanced features for PC management and deployment, advanced security, virtualization, new mobility scenarios, and more.
It should also be noted that Microsoft plans the release of local language-only editions of Windows 8 for China and some other emerging markets as well.
The fourth Windows 8 SKU is Windows RT, which was previously referred to as Windows on ARM or WOA. It will be available only preinstalled on tablets and PCs powered by ARM processors.
Windows RT will arrive with touch-optimized desktop versions of Microsoft’s next flavors of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
Applications designed for it make use of the new Windows runtime, or WinRT, which was made official in September last year. It opens the door to “a new generation of cloud-enabled, touch-enabled, web-connected apps of all kinds.”
Additional info on the various Windows 8 editions, such as details on pricing and limited-time programs and promotions available for users will be unveiled in the next months.
You can have a look at the main differences between Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT in the aforementioned blog post.
Windows 8 Consumer Preview is available for download from Softpedia via this link.