Introduction: The American IT website CNET published a commentary article titled "Why Microsoft will stick with Windows RT" on Friday. Despite the poor performance of Windows RT, it is evident from Microsoft's existing statements that the company will not easily abandon this operating system.
Full text of the article follows:
After Microsoft wrote down approximately $900 million in assets for Surface RT, many industry insiders questioned whether Microsoft would continue to develop Windows RT and Surface RT. Would Microsoft continue to invest resources into a product so different from the core Windows 8 system, especially considering that as of June 30, the company had only generated $853 million in revenue through Surface RT and Surface Pro?
Despite various speculations, I firmly believe that Microsoft will not completely abandon Windows RT. Here's why:
What Microsoft has said
In March, Microsoft executives insisted that as the link between the Windows system and ARM processors, Windows RT was bound to be a disruption. Vice President Michael Angiulo stated that Windows RT compatible with ARM processors gave Microsoft the ability to truly challenge full-sized iPads. This statement was made before Microsoft wrote down its assets and significantly adjusted its anti-iPad advertisements.
Angiulo expressed his belief in the bright future of ARM chips. He also emphasized the value of Metro-style Windows Store applications – installed via the Windows Store and controlled by users – as a major selling point. “On Windows RT, the user experience remains consistent,” he said.
Although Microsoft executives highlighted the user control advantages of Windows RT devices, in reality, the real control lies in Microsoft’s hands. Since Windows RT devices require apps to be installed through the Windows Store, with Microsoft acting as the gatekeeper, theoretically, junk software, viruses, and privacy violations should be reduced.
A few weeks ago, Brian Hall, General Manager of Microsoft Surface, reiterated Microsoft's commitment to developing Surface RT tablets and the Windows RT operating system. He stated that Microsoft plans to continue developing and promoting these two platforms, without any "ifs" or "buts."
What Microsoft has implied
So, verbal commitments are there. But with the advent of Intel's new power-efficient Atom and Haswell processors, does Microsoft still need to hedge its bets at the risk of confusing users?
The ability to run previous software on the desktop is the biggest advantage of Windows 8 over Windows RT. However, with the launch of a new wave of mini-tablets, even with improved screen resolution, running desktop software may not provide a great experience. The desktop environment experience on a 7-inch screen will be particularly poor.
Logically, minimizing the role of the desktop or even eliminating it entirely makes the most sense on mini-tablets. There are reports that Microsoft is about to launch 7-inch or 8-inch Surface tablets. I bet these products will use the Windows RT 8.1 system and run on ARM processors.
Of course, if there is a lack of attractive Metro-style applications, Windows RT will have no value. The status of Microsoft's Metro applications is still poor, but at least management has acknowledged this and is trying to correct the issue.
Microsoft has already turned the tide in the business application sector and actively courted the .Net developer community, hoping to attract them to develop Metro-style applications. Meanwhile, Microsoft itself is developing Metro-style Word, Excel, and PowerPoint applications under the codename Gemini. Microsoft executives indicated that Metro-style Office applications are expected to be released in 2014. But I estimate that this application could hit the market by the end of this year or early next year.
What Microsoft hasn't said yet
Besides, the role of Windows Phone cannot be overlooked. Windows Phone is compatible with the ARM platform, and so is Windows RT. Both products use the NT kernel. Microsoft is attempting to unify the application programming interfaces, firmware, and development tools across these platforms. Although Windows Phone and Windows RT do not currently share a common Windows Store, this situation will not last forever.
The differences between Windows phones, tablets, and phablets will disappear. Must a 5-inch phone always use an operating system called Windows Phone? Can it run the Windows RT system? Why can’t these two systems merge and run on all mobile devices?
If you think Microsoft should turn Windows 8 into a true desktop system without over-optimizing for touch-screen devices, while transforming Windows Phone into a touch tablet system, then the integration of Windows Phone and Windows RT will definitely be a long-awaited dream for you.