Manufacturers are being extremely cautious about embracing Windows RT.
Windows RT will come with device encryption.This will include touch-optimized versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote as the new Microsoft Office Windows RT will have a Desktop mode, but it will be restricted to pre-installed, Microsoft-produced software.Windows RT will work only on ARM-powered devices.
Microsoft has produced a chart of the differences between Windows 8 and Window RT, but here are the highlights: There are several notable differences, and they could cause Windows RT to fail while Windows 8 succeeds. What's the difference between Windows 8 and Windows RT? This is important for Microsoft because it can now point to Windows 8 as an attractive place for developers to ply their trade.
Coding for Metro is significantly easier than writing a program for Windows 7 and earlier. But it does more than implement the Metro interface, it also simplifies much of the programming for Windows developers. Instead of icons, there are "tiles" that can surface information from the app in real time, and it's powered by WinRT.īasically, WinRT is the underpinnings of the Metro side of Windows 8.
Naming aside, Metro is the new user interface for Windows 8. You wouldn't be entirely off base to think of it as "Windows Lite," given its restrictions and differences from standard Windows 8, which runs both Metro and Desktop modes.įor one thing, Microsoft doesn't want you to call the new interface Metro anymore, but it may be too late for that. Windows RT is simply a name that Microsoft has given to Windows 8 on ARM.
Why on Earth Microsoft decided to name the ARM-powered version of Windows so ridiculously similar to the abbreviation for Windows Runtime, WinRT, is beyond the abilities of mere mortals to decipher. CEO Steve Ballmer introduces the all-new Surface tablet during the company's mystery event in Los Angeles, Calif.Īs with Windows NT, Microsoft has yet to clarify what "RT" actually means. Windows RT is more like Microsoft's attempt to do a Windows version of Apple's locked-down iOS than anything else. While Microsoft has made a point of cutting down on the number of Windows 8 versions available when compared with previous Windows releases, the company is also making a feature-limited Windows 8 version to run on ARM processors called Windows RT. It was republished on Octowith additional details about Windows RT.Ĭoming off of our previous coverage, you may have heard about Windows 8 (read CNET's review) and Windows RT as being different. Note: This story was originally published on June 15, 2012.