Windows 8 will have only 3 versions

Guys, this is final that windows 8 will have only 3 flavours.For those with Intel-compatible machines, the OS will be available in two versions - Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.And for those with devices, largely tablets, powered by ARM-designed chips there will be a Windows RT version.

Microsoft has called Windows 8 the most significant redesign of the Windows interface since its groundbreaking Windows 95 OS.The ARM version of the OS is the newest edition and reflects Microsoft's desire to unify the engine known for running desktop computers with that for tablets and smartphones. Windows RT will sit alongside Apple's iOS and Google's Android operating systems.It announced the new flavours on its Windows blog.

Many of those reacting to the announcement were unimpressed by the name for its ARM version.

"You guys are doing a phenomenal job with Windows Phone, Windows 8, etc, which makes the naming of 'Windows RT' all the more maddening. You're trying to simplify the rest of the 'Windows Live' properties, which I applaud, but then you go with Windows RT? Does. not. compute," said Michael Jenke, summing up the views of many responses to the blog."

The below chart breaks down key features by edition (this list should not be considered an exhaustive list of features):

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

This was just the overview of what we all are going to get in the next few months. And those who haven't experienced the magic of windows 8 can download the Windows 8 Consumer Preview from the following link:

Windows 8 Consumer Preview Downlaod

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