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Microsoft’s plan to rescue Windows RT: Give everyone more Metro

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 8:50PM EST
Windows 9 Metro 2.0 and Windows RT
Image: Microsoft Corporation

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Microsoft is getting ready to unveil the Windows 9 preview, but that’s not the only Windows product the company is working on. Myce has learned from a source that Windows RT is also being tweaked, as Microsoft is not ready to give it up just yet, and it could get a significant update.

FROM EARLIER: Good riddance to Windows 8: Microsoft will unveil Windows 9 next month

Apparently, Microsoft wants to remove desktop functionality from Windows RT, and instead offer users only access to a Metro-based Windows experience where they can access apps only from the Windows Store. In such a case, Windows RT will offer a tablet-specific user experience that’s closer to Windows Phone than usual Windows, something Microsoft didn’t want to “compromise” on in the past.

Interestingly, the company isn’t just looking to simply update existing Windows RT models to remove desktop features, but to release brand new tablets running Windows RT. It’s not actually clear whether current Windows RT models will receive this particular update.

Previous reports revealed that Microsoft is also looking to remove the Metro interface from desktop versions of Windows 9, although those reports have yet to be confirmed.

The source has also provided the publication a screenshot reportedly showing the Metro 2.0 complete with the new Start menu that’s going to be one of the most important features of Windows 9.

In addition to Windows 9 and this revamped Windows RT version, Microsoft is also developing some sort of subscription-based Windows 365 version, Myce adds, a name that appeared in many leaks in the recent past.

Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella described not long ago a One Windows vision for the company – however, it looks like there will be a few variations of Windows and not all of them will offer the exact same features to users.

The leaked Metro 2.0 screenshot follows below.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.