Microsoft made a blog post announcing the editions on next version of Windows, namely Windows 8. Compare to Windows 7 Editions, Windows 8 offers fewer editions with a no-compromise experience.
First, Windows 8 is the official product name for both 32bit and 64bit version of Windows.
Second, there are only 2 editions for x86 processors, again both 32 and 64 bit), Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.
The 3rd edition, namely Windows RT, is the newest member of the Windows family, previous known as Windows on ARM, or WOA. It will only be available pre-installed on PCs and Tablets powered by ARM processors. What’s interesting is that it will include a touch-optimized desktop versions of the new Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. It’s the only edition that has Microsoft Office applications preloaded.
In a nutshell,
- Windows 8 Pro has everything, except the touch-optimized next version of Office, and device encryption capability.
- Windows 8 doesn’t have, in addition to Office and device encryption,
- BitLocker and BitLocker To Go
- Boot from VHD
- Client Hyper-V
- Domain Join
- Encrypting File System (EFS)
- Group Policy
- Remote Desktop (host)
- Windows RT doesn’t have, in adding to the list above under Windows 8,
- Storage Spaces
- Windows Media Player
In terms of upgrade path,
- Windows 8 can be upgraded from Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium but cannot be upgraded directly from Windows 7 Pro and Ultimate.
- Windows 8 Pro can be upgraded from any Windows 7 editions.
- Windows RT cannot be upgraded directly from any version of Windows 7.
Microsoft suggested that for most of the consumers, Windows 8 will probably be the right choice. See the detailed comparison chart below for more information.
Feature name | Windows 8 | Windows 8 Pro | Windows RT |
Upgrades from Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium | x | x | |
Upgrades from Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate | x | ||
Start screen, Semantic Zoom, Live Tiles | x | x | x |
Windows Store | x | x | x |
Apps (Mail, Calendar, People, Messaging, Photos, SkyDrive, Reader, Music, Video) | x | x | x |
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote) | x | ||
Internet Explorer 10 | x | x | x |
Device encryption | x | ||
Connected standby | x | x | x |
Microsoft account | x | x | x |
Desktop | x | x | x |
Installation of x86/64 and desktop software | x | x | |
Updated Windows Explorer | x | x | x |
Windows Defender | x | x | x |
SmartScreen | x | x | x |
Windows Update | x | x | x |
Enhanced Task Manager | x | x | x |
Switch languages on the fly (Language Packs) | x | x | x |
Better multiple monitor support | x | x | x |
Storage Spaces | x | x | |
Windows Media Player | x | x | |
Exchange ActiveSync | x | x | x |
File history | x | x | x |
ISO / VHD mount | x | x | x |
Mobile broadband features | x | x | x |
Picture password | x | x | x |
Play To | x | x | x |
Remote Desktop (client) | x | x | x |
Reset and refresh your PC | x | x | x |
Snap | x | x | x |
Touch and Thumb keyboard | x | x | x |
Trusted boot | x | x | x |
VPN client | x | x | x |
BitLocker and BitLocker To Go | x | ||
Boot from VHD | x | ||
Client Hyper-V | x | ||
Domain Join | x | ||
Encrypting File System | x | ||
Group Policy | x | ||
Remote Desktop (host) | x |
Windows RT seems to be the answer to the tablet market but to be honest, with a native Office app, which is still on the desktop environment, I don’t see a sign of any tablet powered by this version of Windows 8 can make a dent on the hot tablet or Post-PC market.