14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is expected to use the May 2 event to introduce its new Windows 10 Cloud, but it looks like the company is also preparing an announcement on the hardware front.
A new device called Surface CloudBook might also see daylight next month as Microsoft’s own competitor to the Google Chromebook in the education sector.
The May 2 event will be focused mostly on Microsoft’s efforts in the education sector and Windows 10 Cloud is projected to debut as an operating system that’s particularly aimed at this market. The Surface CloudBook could thus spearhead Microsoft’s push in education, and at the same time, counter the growth experienced by Chromebooks, which record increasing sales thanks to the reduced price.
Microsoft hasn’t provided any details regarding its new device, but Microsoft enthusiast @h0x0d spotted a new app collection in the Windows Store that’s called “CloudBook,” and there’s a chance this is a new app category that Microsoft wants to use for its new device.
Powered by Windows 10 Cloud
Since it’ll be mostly a rival to the Chromebook, the Surface CloudBook could be substantially more affordable than the other Surface devices, though don’t expect it to retail for $200, as Microsoft obviously wants the new laptop to excel in terms of build quality and features.
On the other hand, it will be powered by Windows 10 Cloud, and this is an operating system that by default cannot run Win32 software, but only apps published in the Windows Store. More or less a successor to Windows RT, Windows 10 Cloud has already been spotted out there, and it looks like customers can remove the restriction and install Win32 software for a fee.
This is one of the reasons Microsoft pushes so hard for universal apps, though many people believe that this concept hasn’t yet reached its maturity, so it remains to be seen if Windows 10 Cloud will succeed or not.
For the moment, consider this to be just speculation, though everything seems to make sense, especially given all the evidence that Microsoft has dropped online lately.