Microsoft's current transition to ARM differs significantly from the previous Windows RT attempt in several ways:

1. Hardware Control: Unlike the Windows RT era, where PC makers produced RT devices while most PCs remained x86-based, Microsoft's current ARM strategy involves collaboration with top laptop partners to develop ARM-powered Windows machines. This approach aims to ensure broader and more integrated hardware support, as evidenced by Microsoft's secretive work over the past two years to prepare these devices for market (00:43:30 - 00:43:59).

2. Software Compatibility: One of the biggest challenges with Windows RT was the lack of compatibility with x86 applications, which hindered its adoption. In contrast, the current push for ARM includes substantial efforts to ensure that major applications natively support ARM64. Big-name apps like Photoshop, Dropbox, Zoom, and Spotify are now available as native ARM64 applications, enhancing the overall user experience (01:21:48 - 01:21:55).

3. Market Strategy: Unlike Apple, which controls both the hardware and software of its devices and can mandate transitions (e.g., the switch to ARM-based Macs), Microsoft does not manufacture most PC hardware. Therefore, convincing both manufacturers and customers to adopt ARM PCs is more complex. Despite this, Microsoft appears more confident this time, focusing on creating compelling hardware and software experiences to drive the transition (00:41:30 - 00:41:58).

4. Performance and Battery Life: The new ARM-powered Windows PCs are designed to compete directly with devices like the MacBook Air. They promise better multi-core performance due to active cooling (fans) and optimized power consumption for AI tasks, which should translate to improved real-world performance and battery life compared to previous attempts like Windows RT (01:21:30 - 01:21:55).

5. Gaming and Broader Application Support: There is a concerted effort to ensure that PC games and other applications are compiled for ARM, addressing a significant limitation of Windows RT. Websites like worksonwa.com are tracking game compatibility, reflecting a stronger focus on ensuring that ARM devices can handle a wider range of applications, including games (01:22:30 - 01:22:58).

Overall, Microsoft's renewed ARM strategy is more comprehensive and better integrated, aiming to address the shortcomings of Windows RT through improved hardware partnerships, software compatibility, and performance enhancements.