In the days leading up to the Surface RT release last year, Microsoft had largely failed to explain the differences between Windows 8 and Windows RT to consumers. The software maker picked the Windows RT moniker to power its own ARM-based Surface RT tablet alongside others from PC makers. Dell urged Microsoft to drop the branding, and Samsung opted not to launch its own Windows RT tablets in the US because of confusion and weak demand. Now Microsoft has admitted its decision to drop the “RT” brand from its upcoming Surface 2 tablet was to address consumer confusion. In an interview with Australian publication ARN, Microsoft Surface product manager Jack Cowett admits the RT name was confusing for customers. “We think that there was some confusion in the market last year on the difference between Surface RT and Surface Pro,” admits Cowett.