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Microsoft To Sell 3 Flavors Of Win 8; ARM Edition Has Office

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Microsoft disclosed in a blog post late yesterday that it will offer three versions of the new Windows 8 operating system software.

For x86 based PCs and tablets, there will be two editions - Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.

The company asserts that "for many consumers," the base version "will be the right choice." Among other features, the new software will have an updated Windows Explorer and Task Manager, better multi-monitor support and the ability to switch languages on the fly.

For China and some other markets, there will be a local language only version of Win 8.

Microsoft says Windows 8 Pro "is designed to help tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals obtain a broader set of Windows 8 technologies". It includes all the features in Windows 8 "plus features for encryption, virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity."

Windows Media Center will be available as a “media pack” add-on to Windows 8 Pro, the company said.

The third version will be Windows RT, for ARM-based devices.

Microsoft said Windows RT, also known as Windows on ARM, "will only be available pre-installed on PCs and tablets powered by ARM processors and will help enable new thin and lightweight form factors with impressive battery life."

Windows RT will include "touch-optimized desktop versions of the new Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote." A free version of Office! (Not something you are going to get on x86-base Windows.)