Intel: Microsoft prepping multiple Windows 8 versions, four for ARM

[kuletboi]

Microsoft will make a few versions of the next Windows operating system, including four versions for tablets and smartphones that use ARM chips. The ARM versions won't run old Windows software but the version for Intel chips will. Renee James, Intel's senior vice president of software, spilled the beans during a conference for investors, according to Blooraberg.

James also noted that there will be at least one Intel version of Windows 8 that will address the tablet and smartphone market. It's not clear what the total nuraber of Windows 8 versions will be, but if what Intel is saying enRAB up coming to pass, it already seems quite high. It's one thing if Windows comes in multiple editions (Windows 7 had Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate) and a completely different one if these come in x86, x64, and ARM flavors as well, not to mention versions tailored specifically for smartphones and tablets. Oh, and don't forget Windows Phone.

more..

[~Hartig~]

Intel's Renee James offered up a few more details about Microsoft's
multi-tiered approach to Windows 8. James reiterated that there will be separate
versions of Windows 8 for both x86 and ARM, noting that there will be at least
four different builRAB for the latter. Should that be cause for concern for
Intel? Not according to James, who insists she isn't worried about ARM flexing
its way into the next generation of Windows OSes......

Read More: Maximum PC | Intel Chief Confirms Multiple Versions of Windows 8

[Lini大愛無疆]

Has the potential to be a confusing train wreck.

[Triple Moon Goddess]

Microsoft: Intel Exec Was Wrong About Windows 8

[Krystal<3]

Microsoft: Intel Exec Was Wrong About Windows 8

I hope Intel is so pissed off that they simply release 7971 or 7996 to the public(thru other channel, of course).

[Faceleg]

I highly doubt intel would be so stupid, im pretty sure if that happened Intel would become Microtel.

[Gushon]

Many versions of Windows 8 will be confusing as hell. :|

[Brady 2010 MVP]

While it may be confusing, it will be a large step in a good direction. Intel and AMD will have some real competition, While it will be in the "Low end range such as ATOM", but ARM has made massive improvements over the past year or so. They went from single core 500MHz to 1GHz dual core hyper threaded processors.
If you take a current gen consumer GPU and mix have two high end arm processors and a few Gbs of ram, you could have a full consumer PC for around 300 dollars, rather than 500-700 dollars (USD).

Granted it could be totally hit and miss, Since ARM is "On Board" if it goes out the device has to be replaced, which would be bad for over-clockers, while i could see "Plug-in" ARM processors which could be swapped out like current processors, so if the processor is bad the device isnt scrap.

[Triscuit]

I highly doubt intel would be so stupid, im pretty sure if that happened Intel would become Microtel.

Of course that was a joke, but I won't be surprised of a merge, these things just happen all the time.

[pinklove55]

I highly doubt a merger will happen any time soon, MS doesnt want to push to may buttons and get their shackles they fought for years to get taken off put back on. Thats like a Felon doing 30 years, then walking out of a prison and stealing the wardens car.