Sources: Windows 8 Stable on ARM, Going to Developers Soon

Cnet: Unnamed sources say that Microsoft now has a version of Windows 8 that is stable when running on ARM-based devices and that a developer preview of the technology should become available very soon. “We haven’t heard this directly from Microsoft, but we’ve heard this from the hardware partners that [Microsoft] is working with. We’ve been promised something in the February time frame,” said one source.

Observers note that ARM-based devices running Windows 8 are likely to be much less expensive than similar devices with Intel chips. Such devices could take a bite out of anticipated ultrabook sales. However, ARM-based Windows 8 devices will not be capable of running legacy Windows apps–only new apps designed for the Metro interface. That could hinder enterprise adoption.