14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is working on expanding its Windows 10 offering with a new version that’s currently called “Windows 10 Cloud,” although it might have nothing to do with the cloud.
First and foremost, it’s worth mentioning that there’s still no information that Windows 10 Cloud is happening, but Twitter user @h0x0d discovered a reference for this version in the existing Windows 10 software development kit 15003.
Windows 10 Cloud is listed alongside the other Windows 10 versions, including Pro and Enterprise, and if this reference is correct, it could also come with an N version that does not include Media Player and other multimedia apps.
Then, it’s important to know that although it’s called Windows 10 Cloud, there’s a good chance that it won’t run in the cloud, and instead be an operating system similar to what Microsoft has tried with Windows RT (installed on the original Surface RT and on a few other devices).
Basically, Windows RT was only capable of running apps that were published in the Windows Store, so with Windows 10 Cloud, Microsoft might offer an operating system focused exclusively on universal apps. Could this be a more successful product than Windows RT? Hard to say, especially because universal apps, although they are evolving, are yet to do it at full speed, so it all seems to be about timing.
Microsoft’s own rival to Chromebooks
If Windows 10 Cloud arrives at a time when there are enough universal apps in the Store to compensate for the lack of Win32 apps, then Microsoft could get it right, otherwise it might have the same fate as Windows RT.
At the same time, there’s a good chance that, with Windows 10 Cloud, Microsoft is trying to slow down the growth of Chromebooks, which are based on a similar approach and provide users with access to Android apps from the Google Play Store. Microsoft could offer this cloud SKU either for free or with a smaller fee to manufacturers in an attempt to bring more and cheaper devices to the market.
Microsoft is yet to confirm plans for Windows 10 Cloud, but more information could be provided in the coming months as we get closer to the moment when the Creators Update launches for stable users.
