Windows 8 will come in two major varieties: a “traditional” version with legacy application support, and an ARM version that will not support legacy applications. The Windows 8 traditional version will have a “Windows 7” mode for backwards compatibility. The news comes from Intel’s Investor Meeting 2011, as reported by The Register.
Update:Microsoft has issued a denial.
Intel General Manager of Software and Services Renée James thinks this gives Intel an advantage. “Our competitors will not be running legacy applications. Not now. Not ever,” The Register reports her saying.
As expected, the ARM-based version of Windows will be focused on mobile devices such as tablets. However, according to James, the Intel x86 architecture will also be available in a variety of places, from mobile phones to TVs to servers. James says that Intel has a “unified architecture,” and she believes that gives the company an advantage.
What do you think – will Intel’s ability to run anywhere and support legacy applications be enough to stave off the competition?
We covered leaked and expected features of Windows 8 in a two part article.
Disclosure: Intel is a ReadWriteWeb sponsor
