Will Windows RT stack up against the competition?

The mobile OS scene continues to get intense with each passing day. Windows has been going gaga over its new Windows 8 and Windows RT (Windows for ARM), Apple just disclosed its next iteration dubbed iOS 6 and Jelly Bean is expected to make its presence felt soon (hopefully!). However, this year, everyone is waiting to not only see Microsoft deliver on its promises and but also see its efforts at delivering a seamless experience. For desktops, Windows rules and Windows 8 will be adapted sooner or later. This may not be the case in the mobile terrain (smartphones and tablets), with fierce competitors like iOS and Android. Now, ICS has made it to mere 7 percent devices across the world, and we aren’t sure if and when Jelly Bean would be adopted by phone makers. Seemingly, social networking, user interface, navigation and apps store have gone on to become some key elements of a mobile device, these days. Considering each factor one by one, let’s see if Microsoft can fill in space of the next big mobile OS.

Windows RT on Tablet...

User Interface
When Windows Phone 7 was launched, the most striking feature was its refreshing and colourful UI. This would continue with the Windows RT, which will feature lively tile-styled Metro UI. The Metro UI looks promising for tablets. The tiles are lively, literally, as they display updates to the user. The iOS 6, on the other hand, maintains the seamless and familiar experience for its loyalists. Apple user interface may appear old and dull to many, but we doubt if it matters to its fan-following. On the other hand, Android’s ICS was a design overhaul. It brought in a nifty homescreen and made navigating through and looking for the recent activity a breeze.

Social Network Integration
There may be rumours that social networks have a lifespan of roughly 5 to 8 years more, but today it is a fad among people. iOS 6 well adapted to this change and has incorporated Facebook within the OS. So, you can sign in once and post from Notification Center, Siri and Facebook-enabled apps, including Photos, Safari and Maps. It keeps your Facebook Friends' information across all iOS devices. Moreover, Apple had introduced Twitter integration, last year. Google and its partners have also been giving social media a fair share of attention with apps. Most of the devices come preloaded with Facebook and Twitter apps. Windows RT will have to spruce up social networking with apps, if not integration.

Apple readies its new OS...

Maps
Maps for navigation has become a standard feature in smartphones. Google has been leading here, so far. Android devices come with a handful of Google apps and hence it makes it to this list. Google’s Android has no worries, with Google Maps in tow. This year, Apple has given importance to navigation and decided to do away with Maps feature borrowed from its competitor, Google. Yes, now we have Apple Maps. Apple may even decide to educate Siri further at assisting users with navigation. Its loyal fan following and newer ones to join will soon adapt to that, too. Well. Windows is also ready in this sphere with Bing Maps already in place. Maybe a few more enhancements and Bing for Windows RT would be good to go.

App store
This is one place in which Windows has to buck up. Apple lays down stringent rules for a clutter-free and useful app experience. Needless to say, it is inundated with apps, like no other mobile store. Google is trying to catch up and has been doing it at a quick pace. It even re-christened its Android Market as Google Play store, so that the Market isn’t associated with only Android mobile devices. Mobile apps are getting quite popular by the day, and a full proof way of keeping users glued to their devices. Though RIM had some cool enterprise apps for its BlackBerry users, it wasn’t too successful with consumer apps.

Been there for a while..but where can you find me...

Windows RT may be new, but it already looks promising. This would leave users like you and me with more mobile options to choose from. However, we are saying this with the information available about Windows RT and iOS 6, so far. A hands-on experience with the OS' could give a better view.