Microsoft Building New OS Version Aimed at Low-Power Devices

In an attempt to make further inroads into the mobile device market, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is creating a new version of its Windows operating system, this one aimed at low-power devices, according to media reports Wednesday.

The tech giant, which has traditionally relied on technology from chipmaker Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), plans to demonstrate next month new versions of its operating system running on chips designed by ARM Holdings. The system is expected to target low-power devices, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The UK-based company’s chips are most often used in the tablet and handheld device market, such as smartphones and Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad.

According to people briefed on its plans, Microsoft is expected to discuss the software at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas early next month, though the product itself may not be ready for another two years.

Both Microsoft and ARM spokespersons declined to comment to the Journal.

On Tuesday, Microsoft said manufacturers of its Windows-based phones sold more than 1.5 million of the devices in the first six weeks since hitting the market. The company started selling its Windows phones, which are made by various handset producers, last month.