Windows 8 Editions Revealed

Published on April 16, 2012 By Island Dog In Personal Computing

One of my biggest gripes with Windows in past years has been the ridiculous amount of versions/SKU’s for Windows. It was confusing to both consumers and business customers, and I was concerned this would happen again to Windows 8. I was wrong and I am glad about that.

Today Microsoft announced the Windows 8 Editions and there are only a few to choose from: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT.

For PCs and tablets powered by x86 processors (both 32 and 64 bit), we will have two editions: Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. For many consumers, Windows 8 will be the right choice. It will include all the features above plus an updated Windows Explorer, Task Manager, better multi-monitor support and the ability to switch languages on the fly (more details on this feature can be found in this blog post),which was previously only available in Enterprise/Ultimate editions of Windows. For China and a small set of select emerging markets, we will offer a local language-only edition of Windows 8.

Windows RT is the ARM version and will only be available on PC’s and Tablets pre-installed. This edition will also include a touch optimized version of Office.

I’m glad they have simplified Windows 8, and I’m looking even more forward to getting the final release.

Check the Windows Blog for a comparison of features between editions.

http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/04/16/announcing-the-windows-8-editions.aspx

Comments (Page 4)

gevansmd

on May 02, 2012

By what measure is an interface that hides numerous common functions found readily in Windows 7, a better interface? Adding Metro didn't force MS to make the standard desktop less functional and intuitive. They purposely chose to make it that way for whatever reason. You start Windows Explorer and want to return to the program launcher? Clicking X doesn't do it. Nope, you have to move your mouse to an invisble point and wait for something to pop up that you have no idea should be there. Want to close an app? Hover your mouse near the top of the screen, grab the thumbnail that appears out of nowhere and drag it to the bottom. Wow, way more intuitive than clicking an X isn't it?

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