Windows 8 Name Official – and version details

Microsoft has released additional details on the official Windows 8 blog today.

Firstly, Windows 8 is the official product name for the next editions of Windows.

Windows 8 will of course be released in a 64bit edition and surprisingly a 32bit edition as well.

Computers and tablets powered by x86 class processors (both 32 and 64 bit), we will come in  two editions: Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8. For home users, Windows 8 will be the right choiceit will include updated Windows Explorer, Task Manager, better multi-monitor support and the ability to switch languages on the. Windows 8 Pro is designed to help tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals obtain a broader set of Windows 8 technologies. It also includes all the features of Windows 8 plus features for encryption, virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity.

Those wishing to have the features of Windows Media Center need to purchase a “media pack” add-on to Windows 8 Pro. Just as with past versions of Windows, to use the  PC in a business environment, you need to purchase Windows 8 Pro.
Windows RT is Windows given name for Windows on ARM or WOA. This separate edition will only be available pre-installed on PCs and tablets powered by ARM processors. Windows RT will include touch-optimized desktop versions of the new Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.

The below chart breaks down some of the key features by edition:

Feature name

Windows 8

Windows 8 Pro

Windows RT

Upgrades from Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium

x

x

Upgrades from Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate

x

Start screen, Semantic Zoom, Live Tiles

x

x

x

Windows Store

x

x

x

Apps (Mail, Calendar, People, Messaging, Photos, SkyDrive, Reader, Music, Video)

x

x

x

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote)

x

Internet Explorer 10

x

x

x

Device encryption

x

Connected standby

x

x

x

Microsoft account

x

x

x

Desktop

x

x

x

Installation of x86/64 and desktop software

x

x

Updated Windows Explorer

x

x

x

Windows Defender

x

x

x

SmartScreen

x

x

x

Windows Update

x

x

x

Enhanced Task Manager

x

x

x

Switch languages on the fly (Language Packs)

x

x

x

Better multiple monitor support

x

x

x

Storage Spaces

x

x

Windows Media Player

x

x

Exchange ActiveSync

x

x

x

File history

x

x

x

ISO / VHD mount

x

x

x

Mobile broadband features

x

x

x

Picture password

x

x

x

Play To

x

x

x

Remote Desktop (client)

x

x

x

Reset and refresh your PC

x

x

x

Snap

x

x

x

Touch and Thumb keyboard

x

x

x

Trusted boot

x

x

x

VPN client

x

x

x

BitLocker and BitLocker To Go

x

Boot from VHD

x

Client Hyper-V

x

Domain Join

x

Encrypting File System

x

Group Policy

x

Remote Desktop (host)

x

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