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Windows RT dead

by on28 January 2015


 Microsoft pulls RT surface 2

Software giant Microsoft has taken its Windows RT software to a deserted Berlin forest and offed it with a bullet to the back of the head.


For a while now the only thing that was keeping the failed OS alive was a version of the Surface 2 which used ARM-based processors.

However, Redmond has decided stop making that flavour of tablet leaving Windows RT without an earthly use.

It is odd as Windows was once seen as crucial to Microsoft's prospects of breaking into the tablet market.

It has problems from the start. Although Windows RT had the traditional Windows desktop, third-party manufacturers were barred from developing software for it. Microsoft's own Office applications were the only desktop software ever produced for Windows RT.

Microsoft also failed to explain the differences between Windows RT and Windows 8 to consumers, with reports of many Windows RT devices being returned to retailers because buyers wrongly assumed the operating system would run regular Windows applications.

There was limited support for Windows RT, and initial device sales were disappointing. That left Surface tablets as the only new devices still shipping with Windows RT.

After posting healthy sales of the Surface hardware earlier this week, Microsoft confirmed it would cease manufacture of the Surface 2, effectively turning the lights out on its Windows RT experience.
Redmond did hint there would be an update to Windows RT at last week's Windows 10 event, it said that it wouldn't get all of the new features being added to Windows 10.

Last modified on 28 January 2015
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