If you always find yourself having a hard time choosing which version of Windows to go with, you’ll be glad to know that you won’t be facing the same problem with Windows 8 .
In a post over on the Windows blog, Microsoft announced the Windows 8 editions that will be released later this year and, this time around, there will only be three of them, one of which is only for ARM-powered PCs and tablets.
“Windows 8 has the flexibility you need – whether you’re on an x86/64 or a WOA PC,” the post reads. “You can use a touch screen or a keyboard and mouse – and switch anytime. It’s beautiful, fast, and fluid design is perfect for a wide range of hardware.”
The standard version of Windows 8, which is simply called ‘Windows 8’, will be the right choice for most consumers, Microsoft says. The standard version includes just about everything we’ve heard about so far, plus a bonus: the ability to switch languages on-the-fly, which was previously exclusive to the considerably more expensive Enterprise/Ultimate editions.
Windows 8 Pro, on the other hand, includes features aimed at the tech enthusiast crowd and for business use. Windows 8 Pro adds BitLocker encryption, support for virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity. Windows 8 Pro users will also be able to get the Windows Media Center add-on, an exclusive that comes separately.
The Windows 8 version for ARM devices will be called “Windows RT”, and will only come pre-installed in various ARM PCs and tablets. This version has touch-optimized versions of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote.
