Windows RT Tablets? Count HP Out

At long last, Microsoft is finally putting out a new Windows that isn't restricted to x86-based chips, such as those made by Intel and AMD. Windows RT, as the software is called, is being designed for small computers based on low-power ARM processors, the type you'd normally find in your typical smartphone. Microsoft seems all psyched up about this development, going as far as producing and flaunting its own little Surface tablet with Windows RT preloaded.

Good thing they've decided to go through with that, as, in a somewhat interesting twist, it looks like the company's traditional partner Hewlett Packard won't be putting out an ARM-based Windows RT device at all!

Rather, the largest manufacturer of PCs will be focusing on a business-targeted x86 tablet running the full-fledged Windows 8. This interesting decision was fuelled by “input from our customers,” according to HP spokeswoman Marlene Somsak. “The robust and established ecosystem of x86 applications provides the best customer experience at this time and in the immediate future.”

With HP out of the ring, Microsoft is left with the rest of its small, secret gathering of companies picked for Windows RT early code access – Microsoft did this to ensure that quality devices will hit the market upon RT's release. It's clearly become all the more critical that those companies – alongside Microsoft itself – produce quality devices devoid of bugs or any other strange quirks, lest Windows RT be quickly forgotten in the imaginary desert of failed computer operating systems.

(Via Bloomberg)