Intel Chief Confirms Multiple Versions of Windows 8

Posted 05/18/2011 at 10:23am | by Paul Lilly

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Intel's Renee James offered up a few more details about Microsoft's multi-tiered approach to Windows 8. James reiterated that there will be separate versions of Windows 8 for both x86 and ARM, noting that there will be at least four different builds for the latter. Should that be cause for concern for Intel? Not according to James, who insists she isn't worried about ARM flexing its way into the next generation of Windows OSes.

James says Microsoft will launch a traditional version of Windows 8 that will run on x86 processors and be able to handle legacy applications, according to a report at The Register. This version will include a Windows 7 mode, she says.

"[Windows 8 traditional] means that our customers, or anyone who has an Intel-based or an x86-based product, will be able to run either Windows 7 mode or Windows 8 mode," James said. "They'll run all of their old applications, all of their old files -- there will be no issue."

Downplaying the significance of ARM breaking into Windows, James says it will be a "new experience" on that platform, "which is very specifically around the mobile experience, specifically around tablet and some limited clamshell, with no legacy OS. Our competitors will not be running legacy applications. Not now. Not ever."

According to James, Intel is in great shape versus the competition because it will be in position to "have the best of both worlds" being able to run both the old and the new.

Do you think Intel is underestimating the significance of ARM being able to run Windows, or is Intel correct in thinking it has a big advantage due to legacy support?