Microsoft completed the first milestone build (M1) of Windows Blue, the first full-fledged update to Windows 8, which marks the half-way point in the “Windows Blue” development schedule.
Windows Blue should extend the capabilities of Windows 8 through additional application programming interfaces (API), most importantly Win8’s WinRT API which supports both ARM and x86 based architectures, thus allowing applications developed for different platforms to run on the one OS. Also, it is expected it will be less expensive, possibly offering an SKU as low as USD45-50 and having tablet support for sub-10″ tablets, allowing Microsoft to enter the rapidly growing 7″ tablet market.
As the Windows 8 app ecosystem grows, a 7″ tablet would be much more acceptable to consumers as it would run the existing Windows programs as well as thousands of Windows marketplace applications. Several OEMs expressed interest in using Windows 8. The enterprise IT needs of security, manageability, deployment support, consistency of service with existing IT infrastructures and lowest lifecycle have been targeted with these offerings. While the low-cost tablet market is driving tablet growth, demand for robust and secure tablets with more memory and faster processors are being driven by enterprise tablet adoption currently dominated by Apple iPads.
Win 8 provides the functionality to operate both in a tablet-optimized mode with Metro-style apps and in desktop mode with traditional apps used with keyboard and mouse, offering enterprises a commonality of services and a platform that enterprise users are more familiar with, and also the use of the Microsoft Office suite.
Will Windows Blue help Microsoft make in-roads in the Losing Battle of Tablets Dominated by Android or will be the Ultimate Blue Screen of Death which Microsoft Operating Systems are analogous for 😉