Upcoming Windows RT update won't support new Windows 10 Universal apps

The upcoming Windows RT update that will add a new Start menu and lock screen for devices like the Surface RT and Surface 2 tablets won't be able to run apps that are made on the new Universal Windows Apps system that Microsoft developed for Windows 10.

The Windows RT update will be released sometime in September for the handful of tablets that used Microsoft's ARM-based operating system. Even though the Universal Windows Apps are designed to run on both x86-based processors and ARM-based chips made for smartphones and small tablets, ZDNet has now gotten word from a Microsoft spokesperson that those apps still need a Windows 10 core to run, which won't be available for Windows RT users.

Here is Microsoft's statement on the matter:

"Surface (RT, Surface 2 and third-party ARM-based Windows PCs and tablets) only run apps built for RT and not Universal Windows Apps. There are lots of apps that work on RT, so they'll be able to continue to enjoy apps, games, music and movie content.""When a customer goes to the Windows Store, they should be able to buy anything they want for their device, not just universal apps. That includes movies, productivity software, games and more. Moving forward, the Windows Store will be the place where people can turn to get software, content and apps they want, in a simple and curated way. Today there are millions of software programs for Windows, and we hope to see as many as possible in the Windows Store."

Source: ZDNet

John Callaham