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From what I have read it seems there are more or less three versions(?) of Windows 8: Windows 8, Windows RT, and Windows Phone 8.

While the difference between Windows 8 and Windows RT is clear, I don't understand the difference between Windows RT and Windows Phone 8.

The Android parallel, Jelly Bean that runs on Tablets and on Phones doesn't have any differences.

Are there any differences between Windows RT and Windows Phone 8 except for the fact that one is for Tablets (Windows RT) and the other is for Phones (Windows Phone 8)?

Rakib Ansary
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2 Answers2

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As far as anyone can tell, windows RT is basically windows 8 recompiled for arm. Everything is windows like, right down to the command prompt(yes it has cmd.exe), and explorer. Its in the tradition of other, forgotten windows ports like that for Alpha and MIPS.

The fact that the only 'desktop' applications there are at launch is an artificial restriction - in theory windows desktop applications may work with a few changes and a recompile.

Windows phone is probably going to be based off an embedded windows base, and not contain everything the full version does. Its also likely to be customised to some extent per phone company. You certainly arn't going to get 'desktop' - which is for MS office only on windows RT anyhow, and it obviously won't be as full featured.

Journeyman Geek
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We will know more details on WP8 later today, but we do know a few things.

First: Windows RT is Windows 8 compiled to run on ARM based processors.
Second: Windows 8 and WP8 have a "shared core."
Third: WP8 and Windows RT both run on ARM.
Fourth: The all share the same design language.

So we know Microsoft has pushed the same design language to help unify the differing platform in look and feel, but does that mean that they are the same? No, but, I have a feeling that it will comparable to an Froyo vs ICS. Up to a point they share certain APIs in common (the "shared core") but after that Windows RT is going to have lots more API for developers to work with.

corwin01
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