Windows armed and ready
Windows 8 can be recognized as an upgrade for the current
Windows PC users, but it can also signal the advent of the PC in all shapes and
sizes.
After all, Windows 8 runs on similar hardware with
predecessors, and will be a fairly easy upgrade. Metro interface is the only
radical change, and it is optional.
But Microsoft has released a completely new operating
system with Windows 8, which can radically change Windows computing forever. It
is also known as Windows but its full name is WOA: Windows On ARM.
ARM processor has just taken over the mobile world, and
is found in most tablets and smartphones. These product categories are growing
while desktop PC sales decline.
Windows 8 is designed for use on desktops and laptops,
and on mobile devices. WOA reflects Microsoft's ambition to fill the gap
between laptops and smartphones with new types of personal computers - lightweight
systems with long battery life.
WOA uses Windows 8’s code base and will replicate many
familiar Windows design features, such as the desktop interface. On the other
hand, WOA is a unique design. For example, it would require devices using it run
a system-on-a-chip.
Any type of device that runs on ARM processors, from the
smallest smartphone to the smart fridge and TV, will be able to run Windows.
And pretty much devices will do so based on the popularity of Windows with most
of the world's computer users. For example, we know Microsoft has been working
with tablet manufacturers of Windows devices based on ARM; we have right expect
more products.
However, the device manufacturer is limited by many
things other than their imagination. Microsoft has finalized hardware
specifications of the WOA devices, which will extend to things like the number
and type of ports that they support.
This seems like a strange decision of the Microsoft if it
wants to promote diversity: the finalization of netbook’s hardware
specifications has somewhat killed that type of device (and Windows XP, which
was the idea of Microsoft).
while the Apple App Store has rapidly grown. When the
Android Market is also developed, one thing becomes clarified: if you want to
sell more hardware, you need a strong software ecosystem. And if you want to
sell software, you need to sell more hardware compatibility.
It is a dilemma, but starting from a championship
position, Microsoft has been the dominant player in the world of consumer and
business PC. It also has a lot of money to attract hardware and software
manufacturers to stick with Windows. And it has Office - productivity
increasing toolkit used by most businesses worldwide, and is packed with WOA.
WOA is a deliberate message: Microsoft wants to be part
of a multi-device world that Google and Apple are dominating. That's good news
if you want to use Windows.
