We recently heard that Microsoft had stopped making their Surface 2 tablet, and now the company has confirmed that they are no longer making any more Windows RT devices.
When Windows RT was launched, a number of manufacturers made the tablets, although Microsoft has been the only one offering a Windows RT device for some time, the Nokia Lumia 2520 tablet.
The End of Windows RT Devices
Microsoft has now confirmed to The Verge that they are no longer making the Nokia Lumia 2520 tablet, which is the last RT-based device that was being produced. You can see a statement from Microsoft below.
“We are no longer manufacturing Nokia Lumia 2520; however, those still eager to buy Nokia Lumia 2520 should visit Microsoft Retail Stores, MicrosoftStore.com, third-party retailers and resellers for the latest availability.”
That means that there are now no more Windows RT devices being produced, so Microsoft has effectively killed off Windows RT. This marks the end of an era for a platform that was initially launched with high hopes but struggled to gain traction in a competitive market dominated by iOS and Android.
Transition to Windows 10
The company will be launching their next major OS, Windows 10 shortly, which is designed to unify tablets, smartphones, PCs, and their Xbox console. Windows 10 aims to provide a seamless experience across different devices, addressing some of the fragmentation issues that plagued Windows RT.
Windows RT was a version of Windows designed to run on ARM-based processors, which are commonly used in mobile devices. It was intended to offer a lightweight, efficient operating system for tablets. However, it faced several challenges, including limited app compatibility and confusion among consumers about the differences between Windows RT and the full version of Windows.
Despite these challenges, some devices like the Surface RT and the Nokia Lumia 2520 did find a niche audience. The Lumia 2520, for example, was praised for its vibrant display and robust build quality. However, the lack of a comprehensive app ecosystem and the inability to run traditional desktop applications ultimately limited its appeal.
With the discontinuation of Windows RT devices, Microsoft is now focusing its efforts on Windows 10, which promises to offer a more cohesive and versatile platform. Windows 10 introduces features like Continuum, which allows devices to switch between tablet and desktop modes seamlessly. This flexibility is expected to attract a broader range of users and developers.
In addition to unifying different device categories, Windows 10 also brings improvements in performance, security, and user experience. The new OS includes the Cortana digital assistant, the Microsoft Edge browser, and a revamped Start menu, among other features. These enhancements are designed to make Windows 10 a more compelling choice for both consumers and businesses.
The transition to Windows 10 represents a significant shift in Microsoft’s strategy. By focusing on a single, unified platform, the company hopes to create a more consistent and user-friendly experience across all its devices. This approach also simplifies development for app creators, who can now target a broader audience with a single codebase.
The end of Windows RT marks a turning point for Microsoft as it moves towards a more integrated and versatile operating system with Windows 10. While Windows RT had its share of successes and challenges, the future looks promising with the upcoming launch of Windows 10, which aims to deliver a unified and seamless experience across a wide range of devices.
Source The Verge
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