Windows is a big, bloated operating system by the modern standards of today’s tablet and phone users. This is known. But every time Microsoft has tried to strip it down to something simple, users have (rightly?) revolted. Now, the company is officially trying again with the just-announced Windows 10X — specifically for devices like the new dual-screen Surface Neo, the company’s big surprise onstage today.
Windows 10X is how the Courier-like device can seamlessly let you move a physical keyboard around on top of its glass screen, and reflow apps around it to let you keep on working, or let you fling content from one screen to another.
Take a look at Windows 10X. #MicrosoftEvent @windows @carmenzlateff pic.twitter.com/8FsIspI5ld
It has a brand-new Start Menu, as was previously leaked.
But the big question is whether it may actually run traditional Windows “legacy” desktop software, not just apps from the Windows Store or the apps you could run on the web. That was the huge limitation that made Windows RT and Windows 10 S such a confusing mess, because it wasn’t compatible with the apps you’ve already been using for decades now.
Microsoft says it will support Office and other apps, but we need more details than that.
We’re only getting the barest look at Windows 10X right now it appears, as the presentation has already moved on — but maybe we can give you a few more hints. Back in May, the company envisioned a new wave of devices powered by a future operating system:
These new modern PCs and innovative devices the ecosystem will continue to build and bring to market in the future require a modern operating system. An OS that provides a set of enablers that deliver the foundational experiences customers expect from their devices, and includes a set of delighters that deliver innovative human centric experiences. Enablers include seamless updates – with a modern OS updates are invisibly done in the background; the update experience is deterministic, reliable, and instant with no interruptions! A modern OS, is also secure by default, the state is separated from the operating system; compute is separated from applications; this protects the user from malicious attacks throughout the device lifecycle. Always connected -with a modern OS Wifi, LTE 5G will just work – and users never have to worry about a deadspot. All of a users devices are aware and connected to each other. A modern OS provides sustained performance, from the moment a user picks up their device – everything is ready to go – without having to worry about the next time the PC needs to be charged. These enablers will satisfy customer’s basic needs, but to truly differentiate we must also delight them. A modern OS does this by enabling cloud-connected experiences that use the compute power of the cloud to enhance users experiences on their devices. These experiences are powered by AI, so a modern OS is aware of what a user is doing tomorrow and helps them get it done, and it enhances applications making them more intelligent. A modern OS is also multi-sense. People can use pen, voice, touch, even gaze – what ever input method a user wants to use works just as well as the keyboard and mouse. Finally, a modern OS provides the ultimate in form factor agility. A modern OS has the right sensor support and posture awareness to enable the breadth of innovative form factors and applications that our partner ecosystem will deliver
Fewer annoying update prompts sounds particularly nice.
Microsoft says Windows 10X is coming holiday 2020 alongside the Surface Neo.
Developing. Check out our Microsoft Surface event live blog for the latest updates!
Related
Author: Sean Hollister
Source: Theverge
