Nvidia Corp. is known for its comprehensive software development programs that helped designers to leverage both industry-standard as well as Nvidia's proprietary technologies. On Tuesday the company announced its  Windows 8 developer program to provide developers with tools and resources for building applications for ARM- and x86-based devices. In particular, the company will ensure that the forthcoming apps take advantage of Nvidia Tegra 3 "Kal-El" SoC.

"With its elegant user interface and support for tablets and notebooks using ARM-based processors, Windows 8 will bring a seismic shift to the industry. Our expertise in both ARM and x86 environments, and our intimate familiarity with the Windows code base, makes us uniquely qualified to support Windows 8 developers," said Jeff Fisher, senior vice president of the PC business unit at Nvidia.

Even though Windows 8 will be compatible with traditional software for Windows, programs will need to be recompiled in order to run efficiently on ARM-based machines. The Windows 8 developer program will provide developers with support and resources for software designed to run on ARM and x86-based solutions, along with access to the latest news, training and education.

"We're incredibly excited about the innovation that Nvidia is bringing to Windows 8 PCs with their ARM processors, and how this will help reshape the PC industry in ways we're only starting to see. Developers are at the forefront of this transition. Microsoft values Nvidia's leadership in providing tools to the community," said Mike Angiulo, corporate vice president of Windows planning, hardware and PC ecosystem at Microsoft.

Nvidia's next-generation Tegra "Kal El" and "Kal El+" system-on-chips with four ARM Cortex-A9 general purpose cores and GeForce graphics will power lightweight, energy-efficient tablets and notebooks.

Tags: Nvidia, Windows 8, Kal El, Tegra