"Microsoft unveils four new versions for Windows 8"

Microsoft has finally revealed more about its much anticipated Windows 8 Operating software that is due to be launched in the very near future. In a new blog post,Microsoft announced four new versions of the next edition of Windows.

The blog post reads: Windows 8 has the flexibility you need – whether you’re on an x86/64 or a WOA PC. You can use a touch screen or a keyboard and mouse – and switch anytime.

The company has a lot riding on Windows 8 which will be a significant successor to Window 7. The software giant hopes that the launch of Windows 8 tablets and smartphones will help it deal with rival Google. Google’s Android smartphones and tablets have been a big success and Microsoft, which is a late comer to the field hopes to give it some serious competition.

AP

The subtext is, Microsoft is making sure that Windows tablets and desktop/laptop interaction won’t be a pain for users. But will it really be that easy and smooth? That remains to be seen.

Windows has often proven to be a pain for hardcore tech users, with security remaining a critical issue. Since tablets and smartphones are so dependent on the internet, Windows 8 will have to ensure

that the security glitches are firmly dealt with.

For PC and tablet users, with 32 and 64 bit processor, Windows 8 will have two versions: Windows 8 and Windows 8 pro. The post also mentions that For China and a small set of select emerging markets, we will offer a local language-only edition of Windows 8.

It’s not clear whether India will be one of the countries where local languages will be launched.

Microsoft has also announced that it will focus on tablets and PCs run by the ARM Processor. ARM is significantly used on smartphones and mobile phones. The Windows 8 version for this will be called Windows RT.

The blogpost states that: This single edition will only be available pre-installed on PCs and tablets powered by ARM processors and will help enable new thin and lightweight form factors with impressive battery life.

Overall it looks like the OS race for tablets and smartphones is likely to get hotter with Windows 8 being a version that is designed towards smartphones and tablets.

But will Windows 8 on a tablet beat the IOS experience or even Android? That is only possible with more apps, since the tablet and smartphone market is driven by apps,  an area where Microsoft still needs to work a lot .