Microsoft are due to revamp Windows 8 to support ARM processors, the leading hardware platform for mobile computer on tablets and smartphones. Windows 8 however is probably not due until 2012, or possibly 2013.

‘Windows 8' isn't the final release name of the upcoming operating system, but when we use the terminology ‘ Windows 8', we all know what it means. Latest reports indicate that this upcoming operating system may be released in the latter half of 2012.

The support for ARM means that Microsoft are taking the threat of Googles new Android operating system, very seriously. Although by 2012 or 2013 it may be a little late, as Android will have a foothold in the market place as more and more manufacturers and customers adopt the platform.

Currently Microsoft are the leader in the desktop market, but they have been letting the mobile space slip further and further away from them. Their Windows 7 phone operating system has not been warmly received by critics or sales figures and this expansion into the ever growing mobile sector is proving tough.

Hopefully history isn't repeated, as Windows NT ran on PowerPC, MIPS and Alpha processors, but was phased out due to dwindling demand.

KitGuru: A new OS supporting ARM is a good step from Microsoft, but will it be too little, too late?

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