Microsoft appears more intent on gunning for Apple when the software giant unveils its Windows 8 ARM-based tablets sometime in early 2012. Reports today suggest Microsoft is throwing out its desktop app and will go finger-to-finger with the iPad’s touchscreen only interface.
Until now, developers expected Windows 8 to support both Microsoft’s app-based Metro interface as well as the traditional desktop. However, Microsoft “has rethought that plan and is leaning toward cutting the Desktop from Windows 8 ARM tablets,” according to ZDNet.
If Microsoft goes ahead with dumping the desktop from the ARM tablet, it would both mark the first time the company has used the ARM processor, as well as placing the firm as a real iPad rival. It’s unknown whether a decision to drop the desktop would also cover notebooks powered by ARM, or limited to tablets.
Microsoft choosing to use only Metro-style apps on its tablets makes sense. After all, Apple uses iOS for its iPad and iPhone, but employs Mac OS X for its MacBooks and desktop machines.
