After Windows RT Implosion, Microsoft Could Be Giving ‘Windows on ARM’ Second Look
It's starting to seem like Microsoft is a glutton for punishment. The fact that the Redmond company's foray with Windows RT fizzled before it could even get started -- something all-too-real for those who had enough faith in Microsoft to purchase an equipped device -- isn't a surprise at all. Today, it seems few people who bought into Windows RT feel like it was worth it, and the fact that Microsoft didn't even bother porting Windows 10 to the platform is proof that it was just a lost cause.
But, a lost cause might be temporary, and based on a new job listing posted by Microsoft, one mere lost cause isn't enough to shelve an idea forever.
Microsoft's Surface RT, running Windows RT
In this job listing, Microsoft is seeking out a Senior Program Manager that will help usher in a new era of devices revolving around a 64-bit ARM architecture. "Bringing a new ISA to market involves working both broadly and deeply across Microsoft from devdiv to WDG to Server to Office and others depending on the scope of product target," the listing continues.
This listing doesn't leave too much to the imagination, as it directly refers to the upcoming Windows 10 "Redstone" release, which makes it sound like Microsoft would like to have a new ARM version out at the same time. While Windows 10 Mobile can run on ARM hardware, it seems like this listing is referring to a notebook or desktop variant, as no mention of phones is provided. One of the job responsibilities is to "Identify the 'big rocks' we need to move, solve, make it happen,"which was no doubt in the description of those who worked in Windows RT.
Can Microsoft make the second coming of Windows RT work? It's hard to say, but it definitely has a good challenge ahead. With a platform that can't run typical x86 applications, Microsoft has to make sure its Windows Store and Universal Apps support are in tip-top shape, else this sequel of sorts could fail just as quickly as the pilot project.
