14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft’s Windows RT operating system, the Windows 8 flavor that runs on ARM-based devices, is expected to become available to more OEMs starting with January.
Right now, only a small number of companies have access to the platform, as Microsoft is reportedly looking into limiting variations.
At the moment, Nvidia is reportedly in partnership with Asus and Lenovo for the launch of Windows RT tablet PCs, Texas Instruments is said to be working with Toshiba, while Qualcomm reportedly teamed with HP and Samsung.
However, starting with January next year, these limitations should be lifted, a recent report on China Times reads.
The first Windows RT tablet PCs should become available for purchase in late October, when Microsoft will officially launch the new Windows 8 operating system.
Microsoft’s own ARM-powered device will be among these, none other than the Surface tablet that was made official last month.
Starting with January, however, more manufacturers will be provided with the possibility to license Windows RT, a move that will make room for a variety of new devices being launched on shelves.
This will also create momentum for the Windows RT tablets, which reportedly come with a $85 licensing fee per device.
Windows RT comes with the same looks as the Windows 8 platform for x86 architectures, but it sports a series of limitations that might seem like deal breakers to many.
Although expected to be cheaper than Intel or AMD-based tablets, these slates won’t come with the desktop mode that is so popular on Windows, nor will they offer support for legacy applications.
Instead, users will have to go with Metro-style applications that will be distributed through the Windows Store, which take advantage of the WinRT development environment that Microsoft introduced with the new platform.
Metro apps will be available for x86 computers as well, but owners of these machines will also benefit from access to all apps that are currently compatible with the Windows 7 platform.