Windows 8 will have a version that runs on x86 processors such as those made by Intel and AMD. Microsoft"s next PC operating system will also have a version that will run on processors based on designs created by UK-based ARM. Companies like Qualcomm, Texas Instruments and NVIDIA have all pledged to make ARM-based chips that will run Windows 8.
There have been some questions about how well Windows 8 will run on ARM-based processors. However, the head of ARM, CEO Warren East, seemed to say in a new interview that he would rather Windows 8 for ARM be released late so Microsoft can make sure it works well.
The interview for Reuters, conducted during the CES 2012 show this week, has East saying, "We"ve waited a long time for this to happen. Another six months, another 12 months doesn"t matter. I"d much rather wait however long it takes to get a quality experience than compromise."
East also sees Windows 8 competing with Google"s Android in the tablet space, saying, "Google"s Android is flavor of the month, flavor of the year, and we certainly want to be part of the Google success. But there is a space for Microsoft, and we very much want to be a part of that success too."
This week at CES, Intel announced that its Atom processor would be used in upcoming smartphones from Lenovo and Motorola. East, however, is unimpressed with Intel"s move into ARM"s territory, saying, "They (Intel) have taken some designs that were never meant for mobile phones and they"ve literally wrenched those designs and put them into a power-performance space which is roughly good enough for mobile phones."