14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft launched Windows 10 S today, a new version of its latest operating system that’s restricted to Windows Store apps, so it can’t run Win32 software like a fully-featured laptop or desktop PC.
Specifically aimed at the education sector, Windows 10 S devices will come super-cheap, with Microsoft announcing at a press conference today in New York that some models will cost as low as $189.
This is part of Microsoft’s attempt to take on Google’s Chromebooks, which not only that come at low prices but also managed to conquer the education market with integrated solutions and an easy-to-use approach that makes it simple for teachers and IT admins to set up and manage devices.
Microsoft has confirmed that several OEMs have already joined the Windows 10 S effort, including here HP, Dell, Fujitsu, Acer, ASUS, and others. All of them will launch their devices running the operating system in the coming months, while sales should begin by the fall when school is set to start.
One-day battery life
Since they’ll be so affordable, these Windows 10 S devices won’t be productivity monsters, but they’ll come with the basic hardware to run the operating system and Windows Store apps.
Recent leaks have shown that one particular requirement for Windows 10 S laptops and 2-in-1s is battery, with Microsoft aiming for partners to build devices that can last for one full day per charge. This should help in the education sector and position Windows 10 S devices as direct rivals to Chromebooks.
More details should surface in the coming months, and Microsoft itself is launching its own Windows 10 S device called the Surface Laptop. This time, however, pricing is not the most compelling factor, as Microsoft is positioning its own device as a premium option, and the other partners will be in charge of expanding the ecosystem with more options.
Windows 10 S devices should also be capable of running full Windows 10 Pro, as the operating system comes with a feature that makes it possible to upgrade through the Windows Store.