The whole tech industry has been trying to keep up with Google and its Chromebooks for a number of years. We’ve seen Google grow into a force that makes Microsoft tremble, but the software giant is not interested in sitting down and taking a beating.
Microsoft is looking to compete directly with Google Chromebooks with its Windows 10, but not the Windows 10 Operating System most computer users have on their devices today. This version is called Widows 10 cloud, and from what we can tell, there’s a plan to officially reveal it at an event in New York City next month.
The official name, according to several sources, could turn out to be Windows 10 S, though we’ll have to wait until May 2, 2017 to find out the name and to get a better understand of what’s going on here. One thing is for certain: what Microsoft is doing reminds us very much of Windows RT, a failed project to get the operating system on cheaper and lower spec hardware.
Rumored minimum specs:
- Quad-core (Celeron or better) processor
- 4GB of RAM
- 32GB of storage (64GB for 64-bit)
- A battery larger than 40 WHr
- Fast eMMC or SSD for storage
- Pen and touch (optional)
The hardware specifications show that Microsoft is not interested in creating an all-powerful Windows 10 device for the Windows 10 Cloud line - that’s left solely up to the Surface products.
It makes us wonder how the company aims to position the price and whether or not these computers will have a deep integration with the cloud.
What about the apps?
Like the now defunct Windows RT, Windows 10 Cloud computers will not take advantage of regular x86 programs. The software giant is pushing the Windows Store quite vigorously here, which means, these devices can only access apps from the Store and nowhere else.
It’s not much of a surprise seeing Microsoft wanting to get more folks to use the Windows Store. The company has placed a lot of attention in that department, and that’s not going to change any time soon.
Xbox Play Anywhere and eBooks support are just some of the new additions designed to get more visibility and usage.
Can Windows 10 Cloud unseat the Chromebook?
Google has done an excellent job with its line of Chromebook computers over the past couple of years. They are no longer entirely reliant on the Internet, and several hardware makers are stepping up to the plate to develop devices for the platform.
Still, Chromebooks haven’t made a huge dent in the PC market. Hence, Microsoft should have an easier time competing since it’s early days. The giant from Redmond only needs to change the narrative as to why students and businesses should use a Windows 10 Cloud computer.
