Windows 8 Update – Microsoft reveal final Windows 8 name and number of editions

[javajolt]

In a new blog post today on the Windows Team blog, Microsoft have finally shed light on both the final name for Windows 8 and what the different SKU's for Windows will be.

Let's start with the name:

Drumroll...... Windows 8 is the official product name for the next x86/64 editions of Windows.

Thank God. That would have been awkward for a blog named Windows8update.com if they changed the name huh?

Next, there will be 5 versions of Windows 8.

1. Windows 8

2. Windows 8 pro

3. Windows 8 Local Language

4. Windows 8 RT

5. Windows 8 Enterprise

Windows 8

This will be a version of Windows 8 designed for x86/x64 editions of Windows. This will be the base version of Windows 8 and will probably be more than enough for the average consumer.

Windows 8 Pro

This will also be a version of Windows 8 designed for x86/x64 editions of Windows.

According to Microsoft -

Windows 8 Pro is designed to help tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals obtain a broader set of Windows 8 technologies. It includes all the features in Windows 8 plus features for encryption, virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity. Windows Media Center will be available as an economical “media pack” add-on to Windows 8 Pro. If you are an enthusiast or you want to use your PC in a business environment, you will want Windows 8 Pro.

Windows 8 Local Language Editions

These are going to be versions of Windows 8 designed for a small subset of emerging markets and China. This is consistent with the leaks we saw from Winunleaked.tk a while ago.

Windows 8 RT or Windows RT

This is the version of Windows 8 that was formerly known as WOA or Windows on ARM. This will be a single edition that will be pre-installed on devices powered by ARM processors.

Note - Windows RT will include touch-optimized desktop versions of the new Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. - Interesting - seems like the versions of Office will be limited on Windows 8 RT. At least we can put to bed the fact that Office will be included.

This is the version of Windows 8 dedicated to running the new fancy web enabled Metro apps.

Windows 8 Enterprise

Of course Windows 8 Enterprise will be part of the family. This version of Windows 8 will be quote:

specifically for those enterprise customers with Software Assurance agreements. Windows 8 Enterprise includes all the features of Windows 8 Pro plus features for IT organization that enable PC management and deployment, advanced security, virtualization, new mobility scenarios.

The chart below breaks down the features by edition.



This is fantastic news as it adds a lot of clarity to the Windows 8 landscape.

Stay tuned for more...