Windows 10 Cloud to take on Chromebooks
Microsoft is preparing a slimmed-down operating system, but doubts remain over app compatibility
Microsoft is preparing a slimmed-down OS, but doubts remain over app compatibility.
MICROSOFT LOOKS SET TO release a fresh flavour of Windows aimed at low-cost machines in the shape of Windows 10 Cloud, providing direct competition for Google’s Chromebooks.
The upcoming version of the operating system has yet to be confirmed by Microsoft, but screenshots have leaked online and reports from Microsoft watchers suggest that the rumoured variant could appear later this year.
The operating system is something of an echo of Windows RT, and will again only allow consumers to install Universal apps available from the Windows Store. However, there are some key differences between Windows 10 Cloud and its ill-fated predecessor, which was effectively discontinued with the launch of Windows 10.
“Where Windows RT was ARM only, Windows 10 Cloud will run on both Intel and ARM platforms,” said Microsoft specialist Paul Thurott, who has gained access to early builds of the operating system. “It is a mainstream Windows product edition,” he wrote on thurrott.com.
The other difference between the failed RT project and Windows Cloud is that users will likely be able to upgrade to a full edition of Windows if they later choose.
“Where Windows RT was a one-way, dead-end street because of its incompatibility with desktop (Win32/.NET) applications, Windows 10 Cloud isn’t because it can be upgraded to Pro, and given that capability,” Thurrott claims.
If it cannot run the apps that people want to use, and if developers do not write apps for it, then it will fail
App limitations
However, while there may be a market for stripped-down, cloudcentric machines in schools, not everyone is convinced that there’s a huge consumer appetite for such machines outside the classroom.
Windows 10 Cloud devices aren’t expected to run x86 apps, which was one reason why Windows RT failed to ignite. Stores reported high return rates of Windows RT devices when consumers found they couldn’t install regular desktop apps. It’s possible that developers will be able to use the Desktop Bridge platform to make desktop apps work, but that’s not possible with the build that’s currently being put through its paces in early testing.
“If, like Windows RT, it cannot run the applications that people want to use, and if developers do not write applications for it, then it will fail,” Michael Cherry, a senior analyst with Directions on Microsoft, predicted.
“It is not just about the education market. When the trade-off for lower price is about restrictions on software that the device will run (and that the user has become committed to), the device generally fails. It has to run
A lighter version of Windows, which would only run Universal apps, would mean a safer PC environment
software people want, and attract developers to increase the library of software over time.”
Nevertheless, other analysts are more upbeat, noting that Windows must address the rise of Chromebooks in the classroom, which, from Microsoft’s point of view, could mean students continuing with Chrome into adulthood. For school administrators, for example, users being restricted to approved apps has significant benefits.
“For Microsoft, the market’s growing comfort with the Chrome OS philosophy has been a concern and a response is warranted,” said Raghu Gopal, an analyst with research firm CCS Insight. “Microsoft needs to react before the Chromebook creep becomes a torrent.
“As Google prods Chrome OS into Windows territory with offline applications, we expect Microsoft to acknowledge the growing success of virtual platforms with its response,” Gopal added. “A lighter version of Windows, which would only run Universal Windows Platform apps, would mean a safer PC environment – a compelling thought for educators, consumers and enterprises.”
At the time of publication, Microsoft was still remaining tight-lipped on a release date for the Windows 10 Cloud – and, in fact, its existence altogether – but market watchers speculate that it could be made available even as early as April, alongside the Windows 10 Creators Update.
Microsoft declined to comment when we asked for details.