New boot firmware a step toward 64-bit Windows RT

May 09, 2013

A standards organization has created a boot environment for tablets and PCs that could potentially run a 64-bit version of Windows RT. The UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) Forum on Wednesday announced that its boot firmware specifications will now support ARMv8, a 64-bit processor architecture announced by ARM in 2011. ARM’s processors are used in most smartphones and tablets, and chip makers such as Nvidia and Samsung are expected to release 64-bit processors for smartphones and tablets in the future. Microsoft on Windows 8 and RT requires PCs and tablets to carry a feature called Secure Boot, which prevents a system from being hijacked. The Secure Boot environment is based on UEFI firmware and ARM has already said it is working with Microsoft to develop a 64-bit version of Windows for ARM-based devices. However, it is not yet clear when the OS will come out. ARM expects 64-bit processors to start shipping later this year or early next year. Most smartphones and tablets today use 32-bit ARM processors. To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Link: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2038223/new-boot-firmware-a-step-toward-64bit-windows-rt.html#tk.rss_all