14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft and Qualcomm announced in late 2016 one of the most ambitious projects since the release of Windows 10: the full version of the desktop operating system on ARM processors, with the Snapdragon 835 said to be the first chip to bring this to production.
While the first Snapdragon devices running full Windows 10 are expected to launch later this year, a company named Khiron-Sigma (also referred to as K∑) is trying to develop an UMPC (ultra mobile portable computer) running Android Nougat and Windows 10 powered by an ARM chip.
Hoping to fund the project with a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, the firm is building two different versions for each operating system: the KS-PROID with Android and the KS-PRO with full Windows 10.
Both models would come with the same specs, including an 8-inch AMOLED screen with touch support, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage with microSD card support, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, LTE, USB Type-C, headphone jack, a QWERTY keyboard, fingerprint scanner, and 10307 mAh battery with Quick Charge.
Windows 10 launch early next year
The Android version is projected to launch in the fourth quarter of this year with a price tag of $450, while the Windows 10 sibling should be on display at CES next year and then go on sale for $600.
Khiron-Sigma says this is just the beginning of a bigger series of products running Windows 10 on ARM chips, and models for students, for emerging markets, and even a device for gaming are already planned.
“We have experience bringing products to market as well as being fully aware of the struggles of getting a product manufactured, to assure the success of this campaign we are leading with our flagship product which will be one unit, one colour and one spec,” the firm says.
At this point, the campaign has raised a little over $27,000 out of the $300,000 goal, but in case the fundraising fails, the firm says it plans to refund the money and then start over once again until its device makes it to the market.
