More on MS ‘Jupiter’ and Windows 8

An Intel exec, apparently stung by Microsoft’s CES announcement that it is developing a version of Windows for ARM-based architecture, has spoken out to reveal that Intel had been pushing Microsoft to develop a tablet optimized OS for some time. "Hey, we tried to get [Microsoft] to do a tablet OS (operating system) for a long time. Us, and others like Dell," said Intel exec Tom Kilroy, when speaking to CNET. Kilroy went on to explain that Intel is developing Atom processors for Android, Windows 7 and the MeeGo platforms, which will be powered by single-core versions of its Oak Trail architecture in power sensitive devices.

ARM-based chips are major challenge for Intel as they have become the ubiquitous chip of choice for mobile phones and tablet devices because of their relative processing performance and battery life. By contrast, Intel’s Atom-based chips have been by-passed by the latest generation of mobile operating systems, as they cannot compete with ARM chips especially from a power consumption perspective. Intel sold its Xscale ARM-based chip holdings to Marvell Technology in 2006 when it made the decision to pursue the Atom architecture instead. It is also likely that as the ARM architecture develops, it will soon begin appearing in low end netbook-like devices, putting further pressure on Intel.

In related news, more information has come to light regarding Microsoft’s plans for Windows 8. Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet has learnt that Microsoft’s new application model for Windows 8, codenamed ‘Jupiter’ will be a new user interface (UI) library for Windows. It is expected to be a lightweight XAML/UI layer that sits atop application programming interfaces and frameworks for UI graphics, text and input. Microsoft hopes that the development platform will revitalize app development for Windows and help to deliver more appealing and immersive apps.

While the code layer is being developed specifically for Windows 8, it is thought that the framework could be adapted to other versions of Windows, including those like Windows Embedded that run on tablet devices. Microsoft has also indicated that Windows 8 will be scalable and will be able to run on tablet devices. However, it said something similar with regard to Windows 7 and after the debacle that was its CES 2010 pre-emptive ‘slate PC’ announcement made by MS CEO Steve Ballmer, it has still to develop a feasible response to Apple’s domination of the tablet space since early 2010.

Tablets such as the HP Slate and others running Windows 7 have struggled to gain and traction in the market as, while the OS has multi-touch capabilities, it is not optimized for the form factor, and the devices are hamstrung by comparatively poor battery performance with ARM-based tablets running a tablet optimized OS. [via CNET and via ZDNet]

By Electronista Staff