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Intel: Microsoft Will Make a Few ARM Versions of Windows 8
Intel says that Microsoft will make four different versions of Windows 8 which will run on ARM processors, according to Bloomberg. But don’t worry, as from what Renee James said, there won’t be four different versions of Windows 8 for the ARM processor (Starter, Premium, Professional, Ultimate, etc.), but different versions of Windows 8 which will work with four different types of ARM processors (different manufacturers).
The downside of Windows 8 on ARM (System on a Chip) will be no backwards compatibility, meaning existing applications could not run on the platform. This has caused some to believe this will be bad for the Windows ecosystem — but in reality, it isn’t.
Why, you ask? If there will only be one version of Windows 8 that will run on ARM processors (but work on four different types of ARM processors) it will be Windows for Tablets, meaning there will be a completely different user interface. This is a good thing, as it would require developers to ensure their applications look and work correctly on the new form factor. After all, how would you like it if someone tried to take a Windows 7 application and just try to shove it on Windows Phone 7? If it was possible, it wouldn’t be very pretty.
All I am getting at is: this isn’t a big deal. Besides, Windows 8 for the desktop will continue to run older versions of Windows applications.