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You wouldn't be entirely off base to think of it as "Windows Lite," given its restrictions and differences from standard Windows 8, which runs both Metro and Desktop modes.įor one thing, Microsoft doesn't want you to call the new interface Metro anymore, but it may be too late for that. Windows RT is simply a name that Microsoft has given to Windows 8 on ARM. Microsoft Surface and its rivals: The first wave of Windows RT tablets.
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What's a hybrid? What's a convertible? A field guide to Win 8 hardware.
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"Runtime" refers to the collection of application programming interfaces (APIs) that allow developers to write software that can interact with the hardware and each other. Runtime is the technical term for the engine that powers the new Metro apps. Windows Runtime, also referred to as WinRT, runs on both standard Windows 8 and Windows RT. Wait, what? Windows RT and WinRT aren't the same thing? Why on Earth Microsoft decided to name the ARM-powered version of Windows so ridiculously similar to the abbreviation for Windows Runtime, WinRT, is beyond the abilities of mere mortals to decipher. CEO Steve Ballmer introduces the all-new Surface tablet during the company's mystery event in Los Angeles, Calif.Īs with Windows NT, Microsoft has yet to clarify what "RT" actually means. Windows RT is more like Microsoft's attempt to do a Windows version of Apple's locked-down iOS than anything else. While Microsoft has made a point of cutting down on the number of Windows 8 versions available when compared with previous Windows releases, the company is also making a feature-limited Windows 8 version to run on ARM processors called Windows RT. It was republished on Octowith additional details about Windows RT.Ĭoming off of our previous coverage, you may have heard about Windows 8 (read CNET's review) and Windows RT as being different. Note: This story was originally published on June 15, 2012.
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