Dell abandons Windows RT

According to media reports this week, Microsoft may be the last device maker to still be manufacturing devices running its Windows RT operating system. As of last month, Dell appeared to be the last one standing with the XPS 10, though that device could only be found online.

Unlike Windows 8, which is designed to run on x86 devices, Windows RT is designed to run on ARM-based machines. It has less computing power than Windows 8 and can run only applications from the Windows Store that support the "Modern" user interface.

Dell is unlikely to launch a tablet running Windows RT 8.1, the operating system update that Microsoft is expected to make generally available in mid-October along with Windows 8.1. That would leave Microsoft as the last device maker to support Windows RT.

Asus, Lenovo, Samsung, Toshiba and HP have already either ceased or reduced their production of Windows RT devices.