Last updated on 2012-08-27, by video

Top Issues You Should Know About Windows RT

Have you figured out the difference between Windows 8 and Windows RT? What matters you should take into consideration when choosing Windows 8 or Windows RT? So for anyone trying to make sense of the differences between Windows 8 and Windows RT, the following explanations will do you a favor absolutely.

1. What does Windows RT stand for?
Windows NT was said to stand for “Windows New Technology”, however, Microsoft has never explained what Windows RT is officially.

2. When can I get Windows RT?
Windows RT hardware should be available around the time Windows 8 launches, somewhere on or about October 26.

3. Why are there two editions?
Microsoft hardware partners should be money oriented. The success of Apple iPad convinced manufacturers that a product should be marketable. Windows RT gives tablet makers the option to make better and cheaper Windows tablets that run on less-expensive, less-power-hungry ARM chips instead of the standard Intel X86-style processors that other versions of Windows require. However, the main Windows code base is designed around X86, so total compatibility between the versions is still impossible.

4. What is the difference between Windows RT and Windows 8?
Windows 8 is a PC operation system while Windows RT runs on ARM chips, the embedded microprocessors that power smartphones. Instead, Nvidia, Qualcomm, and Texas Instruments have signed on to manufacture chips to power Windows RT systems.

5. Is Windows RT a PC operating system?
You can say either YES or NO. Windows RT can not run on a PC processor, but Microsoft has stated that PC-like devices will be made by Windows RT partners, including tablets, traditional clamshell laptops and convertible devices.

6. Will Windows RT and Windows 8 work in the same way?
It is similar to Win8 Surface. Windows RT apps base on what is formerly called “Metro” (now the “Modern UI). The difference lies in that Windows Media Player is not included in Windows RT, or we can say that Windows RT sounds like Metro, plus Internet Explorer, plus an RT version of the Microsoft Office productivity suite. There are many complex applications and software covered in Windows 8.

7. Can I buy or upgrade to Windows RT?
No. Windows RT will come only bundled on dedicated hardware, for example, tablet. Later, Microsoft will release downloadable patches and updates.

8. Who will manufacture Windows RT hardware?
That’s a bit up in the air right now. Asus, Dell, Lenovo and Samsung have all said that they plan to manufacture Windows RT devices.

9. What will Windows RT tablet look like?
Microsoft claims that it is able to play animations at a fluid 60 Hz, and can share photos, URLs, map directions and other information via “bump”. The Surface RT tablets will be able to play HD video continuously for about 8 to 13 hours at screen brightnesses of 200 nits.

10. How much does Windows RT cost?
Microsoft has said that Widnows RT tablets will be “competitve” with the prices of existing ARM-based tablets. Some think this means about $399 or above, about the price of an Apple iPad; others think that a $200 tablet priced at about the level of an Amazon Kindle Fire or Google Nexus 7 fits the definition.

11. Is Windows RT compatible with Windows 8?
Both YES or No can be the answer, for Windows 8 is a superset of Windows RT. Windows RT apps will work on Windows 8, but Windows 8 apps will work on Windows RT only if they’re specifically designed for both operating systems.

12. Can I run my old software on Windows RT?
No. Software designed for Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP or earlier versions can’t run on Windows RT, at least natively. Windows RT is an entirely new beast.

13. How can I run software on Windows RT?
Microsoft will launch a version of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote for Windows RT, which are suitable for both touch and minimized power consumption. Internet Explorer 10 and File Explorer will also be included. Users can purchase other apps from Windows Store. So until then apps should be a vital part of Windows RT tablet.

14. What’s developers’ view on Windows RT?
Until now, Windows RT is still a trial balloon for most developers. However, Microsoft claims that some 90% of the apps already submitted to the Windows 8 store will run on Windows RT.

15. Windows Phone 8
Microsoft has also said that the “common core” between Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 will allow apps developed for Windows 8 to be easily ported to Windows Phone. But some modifications should be made.

Read more related topics:
Windows RT Tablet Will Be Launched by Samsung in October as Expected
Win8 Surface Tablet Released by Microsoft Today: with Expectation to Win a Share of Profits from Tablet Market