come in three editions

Microsoft has lifted the lid on its latest plans for Windows 8. There'll be three versions, two for Intel-based machines and one for the first Windows on ARM devices.

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Microsoft's next operating system will officially go by the Windows 8 moniker, and the software giant has also revealed it'll come in three different flavours.
For Intel-based x86/x64 computers there'll be Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. For those machines based on the ARM chip architecture, the operating system will be called Windows 8 RT (Runtime)
On Intel-based PCs, Windows 8 will be the SKU that ships with consumer machines while Pro will bring added features like encryption, virtualization, PC management, and domain connectivity. Windows Media Center will be available as an add on to Pro. Microsoft says these features are aimed at enthusiasts.
The Windows 8 RT edition will be for Windows on ARM (WOA) machines only, and will be primarily aimed at tablets. The operating system will include touch-enabled versions of Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
The announcement of three versions of Windows 8 offers a simplified approach compared to Windows 7, even with the differing chipsets to consider. Windows 7 saw the launch of Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate.
Microsoft is yet to announce an official release date for its re-imagining of Windows, although we expect to see the first machines become available as we enter the fourth quarter of 2012
Via: TechCrunch