Microsoft reveals details on three Windows 8 versions

As Microsoft® gets set to release the latest installment of its popular operating system, the company has revealed that Windows® 8 will be available in three separate versions, according to the Windows Team Blog.

"Windows 8 has the flexibility you need -- whether you're on an x86/64 or a WOA PC," writes Brandon LeBlanc. "You can use a touchscreen or a keyboard and mouse -- and switch anytime. It's beautiful, fast and fluid design is perfect for a wide range of hardware."

In addition to the basic Windows 8, Microsoft will also offer Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT. The latter version of the platform is the "newest member of the Windows family," the blog says.

Windows RT has been developed for laptops and desktops, as well as tablet computers that will be run on ARM processors. Previously, the blog points out, Microsoft had referred to this version as both Windows ARM and WOA.

Microsoft is in the home stretch prior to the widespread release of Windows 8, which is expected sometime later in 2012. In February, the company released a consumer preview version of the new OS, which allowed eager users to get their hands on Windows 8 for the first time.