Following the release of Windows 10 last year, which was still not able to overcome the advantage of the Google Chrome OS, Microsoft has apparently gone back to the drawing board to map out another plan.
Reports have it that Microsoft is looking to launch the Windows Cloud or Windows 10 Cloud OS this year. But it should be noted that it is not a cloud-based storage just like the Google Cloud or Apple iCloud as Microsoft’s Windows Cloud has nothing to do with storage. It is an operating system.
In fact, according to rumors, the Windows Cloud is just an evolution of Windows 10 but it is being positioned by Microsoft to beat Google’s Chrome OS.
The upcoming Microsoft OS is actually the same as Windows 10 but it has a stand-out feature because it does not run conventional Windows apps.
Accordingly, Windows Cloud will only run Universal Windows Platform apps found in the Windows Store. If a user tries to run anything else, he would get a stern warning.
Analysts believe that Microsoft is likely positioning the Windows Cloud to lure schools and other institutions who see Chrome OS’ lack of native apps as a security advantage, reports Engadget.
Educators may be more likely to stick to Windows PCs if they know that kids can’t infect a machine with malware or install an unapproved game. It’s possible that Microsoft’s ‘Centennial’ bridge, that brings Win32 apps to the Windows Store, should work, but there are conflicting reports about its compatibility.
Spring arrival
While Microsoft has not officially made an announcement as to the release date of the Windows Cloud, there are rumors saying that it might be released during the spring when the Windows 10’s Creators Update arrives.
Critics believe that the timing would certainly be right. Schools tend to prepare their tech budgets months before the start of classes, and Microsoft will need Windows Cloud-equipped PCs on the market very soon if it’s going to lure the educational crowd away from Google’s offerings.
Rumors about Windows Cloud started heating up following leaked screenshots of the OS, proving that Microsoft is indeed gearing up for the release of a new Windows 10 iteration with toned down features similar to the way Chrome OS is set up.
The screenshots depict a forthcoming version of Windows 10 that’s locked down and before that, the Windows 8.1 Bing version of Windows.
A lockdown concept
The screenshots were first published by Windows Blog Italia, which said it was able to test the OS, confirming that Windows Cloud indeed runs Windows Store apps only.
The OS’s lockdown concept may very well be for security and reliability reasons, among others, as closing access to Win32 apps, while delimiting the platform, would most likely prevent it from having issues, viruses, and the usual full-blown risks.
The only problem is that the Windows Store does not exactly pack a broad and robust library selection, which, if otherwise, could at least be a silver lining to the Win32 app gatekeeping.
At least, looking at the screenshots, there’s very little to suggest that Windows Cloud is a colossal visual overhaul from Windows 10; both actually look very similar, and pinpointing exact differences is difficult.
Some analysts say that if Microsoft is indeed positioning Windows Cloud as its answer to Google’s Chrome OS powering Chromebooks in the market at present, then it’s only logical for the OS to be a more compact and toned-down package compared with Windows 10 on desktops and laptops, details Tech Times.
The functionalities of Chromebooks obviously won’t hold a candle to full-fledged laptops, but for simple productivity tools, it’s more than up for the job.
Linux OS’s have been doing this for years.
It’s a good idea for security.
I’m glad to see Microsoft adopting it.
I’ll bet money all the naysayers will be complaining about how evil MS is for restricting non-tested apps.