When Microsoft introduced the Surface 3, it seemed like a phase was over. The Surface 3 is closer to the Surface Pro 3 than the Surface 2/Surface RT from where it derives its series namesake. The Surface Pro 3 uses an Intel Core CPU while the Surface RT and Surface 2 used ARM processors, requiring Windows RT, a limited version of the operating system that cannot run standard “desktop” applications. The Surface 3 uses an Intel Atom processor, a lower-powered and lower power-consuming but x86-capable CPU allowing for a “full Windows” experience.
If Microsoft wasn’t going to introduce a new RT-driven tablet with the Surface 3, perhaps Windows RT was at a dead end. The ARM processor allowed the Surface 2 to operate more power efficient for better battery life. Unfortunately, it seemed that the low price of the Surface RT and Surface 2 lured many people in, thinking they were getting a Windows tablet that would allow them to do everything you could on your desktop. With the Surface 3 using an Intel processor, you can run desktop applications and are not just limited to Windows Store apps and the built-in Office.
It seemed like Windows RT may have lasted two generations but was calling it quits before the third. I was poking around in gpedit, the Group Policy editor, on Windows 10 Technical Preview and saw this policy with supported restrictions that caught my eye.
“Supported on: At least Windows 10 Server, Windows 10 or Windows 10 RT”
Windows Server will be named Windows Server 2016, not Windows 10 Server, so this already does not make it the most reliable source. This policy to configure a Start Screen layout also should apply for at least Windows 8. All the caveats being said, this Group Policy setting seems to indicate that there could be a Windows 10 RT in the future.