14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has reportedly picked a different codename for Windows Lite, a new version of Windows that’s supposed to be more lightweight and position the operating system as a more direct competitor to Google’s Chrome OS.
According to a report from WindowsCentral, Microsoft employees are currently referring to Windows Lite as “Santorini,” though it goes without saying this is just a codename and not the actual name that the company wants to use for the final product.
While the reasons for the name change aren’t known at this point, the aforementioned source speculates that Microsoft didn’t agree to stick with Windows Lite because this moniker could give users the impression they’re getting a slimmed-down version of Windows.
Possible launch later this year
In fact, Windows Lite is specifically aimed at new devices that don’t require the fully-featured Windows, as it’s the case of Andromeda, Microsoft’s ambitious dual-screen project that’s yet to see daylight.
It’s not clear if Santorini is in any way representative for Windows Lite, but given it’s a name of an island, there’s a chance Microsoft didn’t pick it just because it sounds good.
As for when Windows Lite could go live, this is something that we can only guess right now, as work on the project continues and Microsoft doesn’t want to share any details for the time being. However, with the Build developer conference approaching, the company could disclose more details about its work on the various Windows versions, possibly ahead of a potential launch in the fall of 2019.
Recent rumors claimed Microsoft could also use Windows Lite for testing certain features that could then make their way to all Windows 10 versions, like a simplified Start menu without live tiles. Microsoft is reportedly planning to give up on live tiles because of their slow adoption, so the debut of Windows Lite could, in the end, serve as a preview of other major changes for Windows 10 overall.