The WSJ is reporting today that Microsoft is prepared to discuss a new Windows operating system, one that will be optimized for tablets and other low-power devices.
Although the OS will be discussed next month at the CES event, the operating system will not be ready for launch until 2012.
The new Windows will be optimized for use on products that have chips from ARM and also x86 chip technology from AMD and Intel.
ARM designs have become favorites of smartphone makers as they consume the least power, giving batteries some room to breathe.
The sources say Microsoft has been working on the project for some time and it is part of "a broader push at Microsoft to make Windows more "modular" so that pieces of the operating system that are unnecessary for smaller, low-power devices like tablets can be easily stripped away to make the software perform snappily on the gadgets."
Microsoft's next desktop OS, Windows 8, is expected in 2012, as well.
The new Windows will be optimized for use on products that have chips from ARM and also x86 chip technology from AMD and Intel.
ARM designs have become favorites of smartphone makers as they consume the least power, giving batteries some room to breathe.
The sources say Microsoft has been working on the project for some time and it is part of "a broader push at Microsoft to make Windows more "modular" so that pieces of the operating system that are unnecessary for smaller, low-power devices like tablets can be easily stripped away to make the software perform snappily on the gadgets."
Microsoft's next desktop OS, Windows 8, is expected in 2012, as well.
