Three Editions of Windows 8 announced

[claud3]

Three Editions of Windows 8 announced

by Chris Jager | Tuesday 17 April 2012 | 9 Comments


There will only be three versions of Windows 8 at launch, including a specialised ARM edition -- which isn't called Windows 8.

Microsoft has announced that it will launch three editions of Windows 8: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT. This is in contrast to the last few Windows releases, which offered six separate Editions to cater to different user types.
Tablets, desktops and laptops using Intel/AMD x86 processors will be available under the Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro brands. Windows RT, meanwhile, will come pre-installed on ARM-powered devices.
"We have worked to make it easier for customers to know what edition will work best for them when they purchase a new Windows 8 PC or upgrade their existing PC," Brandon LeBlanc explained on the Windows Blog.
Here's a brief overview of each Edition:
Windows 8
As its name implies, Windows 8 is the standard Edition of Microsoft's new OS and it's aimed at the majority of consumers. Like all Windows 8 Editions, it provides access to Windows Store and allows the user to switch between a touch screen (if you have a compatible device) and keyboard/mouse. It also includes an updated Windows Explorer, Task Manager, better multi-monitor support and the ability to switch languages on the fly (a feature that was previously only available in Enterprise/Ultimate editions of Windows).
Windows 8 Pro
Windows 8 Pro is geared towards "tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals". It comes with additional features not present in the standard Edition, including encryption, virtualisation, domain connectivity and PC management tools.
Windows RT
Confusingly also known as 'Windows on ARM' (or 'WOA'), Windows RT will only be available pre-installed on PCs and tablets powered by ARM processors. The RT edition has been optimised to work with compact form factors with an emphasis on battery life.
"Windows RT will include touch-optimised desktop versions of the new Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote," adds LeBlanc . "For new apps, the focus for Windows RT is development on the new Windows runtime, or WinRT, which forms the foundation of a new generation of cloud-enabled, touch-enabled, web-connected apps of all kinds."
You can check out a more in-depth analysis of the differences between each Windows 8 Edition in the table below:

Feature name	Windows 8	Windows 8 Pro	Windows RT
Upgrades from Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium	x	x
Upgrades from Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate		x
Start screen, Semantic Zoom, Live Tiles	x	x	x
Windows Store	x	x	x
Apps (Mail, Calendar, People, Messaging, Photos, SkyDrive, Reader, Music, Video)	x	x	x
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote)			x
Internet Explorer 10	x	x	x
Device encryption			x
Connected standby	x	x	x
Microsoft account	x	x	x
Desktop	x	x	x
Installation of x86/64 and desktop software	x	x
Updated Windows Explorer	x	x	x
Windows Defender	x	x	x
SmartScreen	x	x	x
Windows Update	x	x	x
Enhanced Task Manager	x	x	x
Switch languages on the fly (Language Packs)	x	x	x
Better multiple monitor support	x	x	x
Storage Spaces	x	x
Windows Media Player	x	x
Exchange ActiveSync	x	x	x
File history	x	x	x
ISO / VHD mount	x	x	x
Mobile broadband features	x	x	x
Picture password	x	x	x
Play To	x	x	x
Remote Desktop (client)	x	x	x
Reset and refresh your PC	x	x	x
Snap	x	x	x
Touch and Thumb keyboard	x	x	x
Trusted boot	x	x	x
VPN client	x	x	x
BitLocker and BitLocker To Go		x
Boot from VHD		x
Client Hyper-V		x
Domain Join		x
Encrypting File System		x
Group Policy		x
Remote Desktop (host)		x

Pricing for each Edition has yet to be announced by Microsoft. We'll keep you posted with any news, as soon as we get it.

Link: http://www.pcauthority.com.au/News/2...announced.aspx

Now i do not see the reason for this

[keefy]

After using the pre alpha whatever its called release I do not like this windows 8 at all. I hope it improves.

[claud3]

just like VITA all is going to shit for Microsoft

[Rapture]

I'll wait for Windows 9 when MS gets their shit together.

[Kuro]

yea waiting on 9 too

[Lethal_NFS]

I really do not know what Microsoft was thinking with this OS. I hated the beta so much.

[F34R]

I don't see the problem here... a regular version, a pro version, just like the old days. The OS on the other hand.. I didn't like the beta. I'll probably acquire a copy and use it for a while.

[mickice]

Still rocking XP hereand loving it.

[dreams]

I haven't tried the windows 8 developer preview yet, but after all the reviews and comments i don't intend to start.

Think i'm going to stick with my windows 7 starter (i like it alot).

[admartian]

I don't see the problem here... a regular version, a pro version, just like the old days. The OS on the other hand.. I didn't like the beta. I'll probably acquire a copy and use it for a while.

Yep same here. Don't see a problem.

What I'm intrigued by is using remote desktop (via Splashtop or other app) on my Tablet, whilst in Metro UI mode.

Should be awesome.

[Dave-The-Rave]

This looks stupid, Im sticking with 7.

[SchaffinOSX]

The Windows 8 developer preview was a bit odd. For one it synced oddly with my Mac, and two, it just didn't seem all too functional. Not wholly against it, though; an interesting new take on the operating system by Microsoft. We'll see how well it all comes together in the final release.