winrt Will Microsoft discontinue Windows RT?

[Anthony Tosie Veteran]

I changed the title, as requested.

 

They may kill it in name, but Windows running on ARM-powered devices isn't going anywhere. And I sincerely hope they don't make Windows Phone the OS for all ARM devices, as Windows RT is much, much more powerful and useful on tablets (I say this as the owner of a Surface RT and Windows Phone 8X). I know many have speculated it, but I simply don't see that happening. I don't think the future of Windows on tablets will be that simple (moving up Windows Phone to ARM tablets).

 

Also, I wrote this article based on previous statements from Microsoft prior to JLG's recent comments, but I don't think her new statements change anything.

[vcfan]

I changed the title, as requested.

 

They may kill it in name, but Windows running on ARM-powered devices isn't going anywhere. And I sincerely hope they don't make Windows Phone the OS for all ARM devices, as Windows RT is much, much more powerful and useful on tablets (I say this as the owner of a Surface RT and Windows Phone 8X). I know many have speculated it, but I simply don't see that happening. I don't think the future of Windows on tablets will be that simple (moving up Windows Phone to ARM tablets).

 

Also, I wrote this article based on previous statements from Microsoft prior to JLG's recent comments, but I don't think her new statements change anything.

I don't think you're going to have a phone UI on your tablet, either the OS or Apps. I think it will still look basically the same as it does now. The UI will be determined by screen size, but the underlying OS will be the exact same.

 

currently

 

once this is merged, then app developers would have to write only one app,and maybe scale their UI based on screen size.

[paulheu]

It's been known for a while now MSFT plans to merge Windows Phone with Windows RT and have the resulting OS share the same API with 'full' windows.

 

The guardian, being the trashy junk they are, is just playing into their beloved Apple camp by blowing smoke.

 

Within 10 years Apple will be back where they belong, in the trenches fighting for survival and MSFT will dominate both the PC and mobile markets with Android a decent second.

[FunkyMike]

Windows Phone and Windows 8/RT are still pretty different animals.  Lots of APIs don't match up.  You can't just slap on a new UI on an RT program and have it run on Windows Phone.

Roger. I just hope that Windows Phone doesn't become bloated in the process.

What are the chances of the Desktop interface getting the boot on Windows RT if enough substitutes are created.. file management etc?

[vcfan]

What are the chances of the Desktop interface getting the boot on Windows RT if enough substitutes are created.. file management etc?

highly likely. they hide the desktop tile by default now,and office is being ported to the new interface.

[Emon]

They are just late in the game. Don't you guys remember what Google did with Honeycomb? Basically "Honeycomb==Windows RT" so MS's "Ice Cream Sandwich" will be "Windows RT+Window Phone"

[Ian S.]

It's much confirmed from earlier MS VPs interviews. Eventually there will be only two versions of Windows exist with Unified UI/Experience and App development

1. Windows Phone [supports upto 8" - ARM Processor]

2. Windows OS [supports from 8" to anywhere - x86/x64]

 

And both platforms share same code/api and one app/market for all

 

Windows "Core" (ARM) won't just run up to 8" it will run on any device no matter the size. It is Windows, x86/x64 is NOT the future. In order for Microsoft to continue their RT strategy, they must support ALL screen sizes.

[LambdaLambdaLambdaFn]

It is Windows, x86/x64 is NOT the future.

 

I think you're right.  You can see their strategy with product naming alone.  Windows RT is now just Windows, and the x86 version is now the one being differentiated with "Pro".  That's not to say that x86 is going to die, but it'll probably be relegated to true power users in the future. 

[Anthony Tosie Veteran]

I don't think you're going to have a phone UI on your tablet, either the OS or Apps. I think it will still look basically the same as it does now. The UI will be determined by screen size, but the underlying OS will be the exact same.

 

currently

 

once this is merged, then app developers would have to write only one app,and maybe scale their UI based on screen size.

I think that's a likely scenario, except I wouldn't be surprised if it was more than UI scaling -- perhaps have the apps in the same package, but whether it's a tablet or phone will dictate certain aspects of the interface beyond simple scaling.

[vcfan]

I think that's a likely scenario, except I wouldn't be surprised if it was more than UI scaling -- perhaps have the apps in the same package, but whether it's a tablet or phone will dictate certain aspects of the interface beyond simple scaling.

sorry,thats what I meant by scaling the UI, as in, the layout changes based on screen size, not stretching and moving controls around to fit. sort of like what happens when you snap an app,sometimes the layout changes to accommodate the smaller size snap view better. devs are already doing it. same idea.

[neo158]

i said this long ago already. with cpu power and build possibilities progress RT will become obsolete over time. why running a crippled OS if you can run the real deal?

 

Except they aren't killing RT, they're merging it with Windows Phone. The trashy junk called The Guardian is just using it as click bait. Windows RT is no more crippled than Windows 8.1, why would I want to run any of the Autodesk Suite on a tablet when I have a desktop for that? 

[FreeJAC1310]

RT and Phone will eventually converge. For as long as enterprise needs the x86 version it will keep around. If MS gaming stratigies take off / if they keep AAA Windows titles on the desktop, then they will keep it around longer. I can't see them consede the desktop gaming market to Linux / Steambox.

[neo158]

RT and Phone will eventually converge. For as long as enterprise needs the x86 version it will keep around. If MS gaming stratigies take off / if they keep AAA Windows titles on the desktop, then they will keep it around longer. I can't see them consede the desktop gaming market to Linux / Steambox.

 

I agree, although I do feel they will quietly kill off the x86 version of Windows and keep the x86-64 version around instead.