Windows 8 ARM will be limited to the Metro interface

Microsoft has decided. The ARM of Windows 8 version will only offer a single interface: Metro.

Somewhere, it is in doubts. But despite this, Microsoft had left planné doubt as to the availability of the classic interface of Windows 8 (the traditional Office) on the ARM of the OS version. Indeed, until now, full compatibility was black, and therefore could imagine having access to any Windows 8 on terminals powered by ARM chip. But finally, this will not be the case, Microsoft coming to confirm that these machines will have to satisfy the single interface Metro, the dynamic tile database derived from Windows Phone 7, thought for the touch and shelves.

Thus, the desktop interface, but also Classic applications will not right to call in Windows 8 ARM. Confirmation of the thing comes from Paul Thurott, who announced this in a podcast of Mary-Jo Foley. Therefore, forget all demos made by the editor which showed a Windows 8 identical on all platforms, with a complete system on ARM platforms.

The Metro interface will be the only supported by Windows 8 ARM

However, the Metro interface should remain accessible on the x 86 PC, history to offer the quick toggle between the Office and dynamic tiles, as Microsoft had shown its BUILD Conference. There is therefore not, on Windows 8 ARM, to graphically identical to the traditional version applications, as Steve Ballmer had announced. Developers of applications for Windows 8 ARM will necessarily develop software using the graphical interface of Metro as.

Of course, this announcement causes many reactions on the canvas. Some were satisfied, fearing the base install a system managing the two interfaces is too heavy to handle for a terminal to the tablet. Others, however, believe that it is the system thought of the base will lose interest, this resulting decision inevitably a segregation between the versions. Also, developers are many worry about the lack of clarity on the subject of Microsoft. How should they work their applications in the SDK? Should they necessarily create applications managing the two sets of instructions ARM and x 86? Will they be able to publish their creations for the Metro interface only?

Finally, that will be the manufacturers? Windows 8 shelves based on x 86 (as the model under Intel Core i5) given Developers Conference BUILD processors capable to turn the two interfaces, or shelves ARM limited to Metro? They will have a priori the choice. But what choice will be for interested consumers? At Microsoft to take a position once and for all, and to explain in a clear manner its strategy with Windows 8.