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Microsoft is creating Windows Lite for dual-screen and Chromebook-like devices
Microsoft is preparing a new lightweight version of Windows for dual-screen devices and Chromebook competitors. Sources familiar with Microsoft's plans tell The Verge that the software maker is stripping back its Windows user interface with dual screens in mind. This new hardware could launch as early as later this year, depending on chip and PC maker readiness.
"Windows Lite," as it's codenamed internally, is a more stripped-down version of Windows that is initially being prioritized for dual-screen devices. Intel has been pushing OEMs to create this new hardware category, and machines could appear much like Microsoft's Courier concept, dual-screen laptops, or even foldable displays in the future. Either way, Microsoft wants Windows to be ready for PC makers to take advantage of it.
Previously: Microsoft Reportedly Building a Chromium-Based Web Browser to Replace Edge, and "Windows Lite" OS
Related: Intel Reportedly "Petitioned Microsoft Heavily" to Use x86 Instead of ARM Chips in Surface Go
Qualcomm Announces Snapdragon 8cx, an ARM Chip Intended for Laptops
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday March 05 2019, @09:39PM (8 children)
"Lite" shall inevitably join the parade of Microparodies: DOS 4, Vista, ME....
Too many offerings. Look at all the varieties of versions you could get with most "Windows" since 2000, and its only getting worse. Home, Fast track, Slow track, Enterprise, Home Pro, Pro, Ultimate, Lite, pink version, green version, whatever. One product with one license, one physical disc/usb (verifiable genuine physical media) that comes with the system (not OEM installed, no media, run away) and I might look at it again. I said "look", not install. Had to provide one of my teens with W10 for class, we had fun comparing to Linux that has been in the home for years. Some nice ideas, but W10 treats you like an idiot 3yo. Maybe because that is the level of the average user who goes to bigbox to buy a kompewterr!
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Snow on Tuesday March 05 2019, @09:46PM (1 child)
I think you nailed it. Windows Lite is iOS. A walled garden that only runs apps from the Windows Store.
An appliance, not a computer. And, as horrifying as that is, that is what so many people want.
(Score: 2) by takyon on Wednesday March 06 2019, @12:52AM
Yeah, it is bizarre that Microsoft keeps trying to throw its old advantages out of the window in order to compete, in era of slight but still significant hardware gains at the low-end. ChromeOS is expanding by adding Android and Linux application support, while Windows is trying to punch down to a place everybody is leaving.
However, the dual screen device is interesting, although it doesn't necessarily need to run Windows. Get it cheap enough and it may be worth it to see what more or less it can do than a tablet (note taking, drawing, info display, video, dynamic keyboard, whatever).
[SIG] 10/28/2017: Soylent Upgrade v14 [soylentnews.org]
(Score: 2, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday March 05 2019, @10:15PM (1 child)
Average users are not buying home PCs as often as before. Actually, "before" Windows was the only game in town. But today smartphones, tablets, chromebooks are very successfully competing for attention. They are more convenient, nearly zero maintenance, you can take them with you, you can have one or more per each family member. My parents have a PC. They haven't used it for many years. They certainly won't be buying a new one.
PC gamers are probably the only definite Windows users at home. But PC gaming in itself is threatened. I do not play on a PC anymore - it's expensive, unstable, uses annoying licensing... consoles are more convenient.
Windows remains the king only among professionals. And those professionals are mad at Windows because it is designed for a 3yo idiot. Some move to Apple laptops, some to Linux, the majority stays with Windows because their software works only on Windows, and they are not competent enough to try Wine, React OS, or VirtualBix on Linux.
(Score: 2) by Pino P on Wednesday March 06 2019, @01:38AM
That's fine, so long as the games you want are ported to the console you have. A lot of especially indie games hit modern consoles later if ever. Nor do most console games allow fan-made mods to the campaign.
(Score: 3, Interesting) by All Your Lawn Are Belong To Us on Tuesday March 05 2019, @11:06PM (2 children)
You forget Windows CE. That's the one I'd compare this to. And I'd say you overestimate the age that W10 was built for. "Let's drop every single useful management function and then piss over the rest by changing the interface to freshen it a way that's completely unhelpful to power users! NO, user, YOU can't choose to associate your Unapproved program with a file type, no sir! The Store or Approved App only!!!"
This sig for rent.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday March 05 2019, @11:57PM (1 child)
No need to spell it out. WinCE says it all.
(Score: 2) by Muad'Dave on Wednesday March 06 2019, @12:25PM
Remember there was CE, ME, and NT. CEMENT.
(Score: 2) by DannyB on Wednesday March 06 2019, @03:09PM
You forgot:
Plays For Sure!
DRM. It requires the server to play.
It was because Microsoft wanted to create their own iTunes / iPod environment that all hardware manufacturers could participate in.
That didn't work out so well. And it didn't always play for sure.
So then:
We're cancelling Plays For Sure!
Unplugging the DRM servers. All your purchases will no longer be transferrable to any other devices.
Thanks for giving us your money!
Next:
Microsoft Zune!
This time we really, REALLY promise this DRM will work!
To transfer files: right-click on file, pick Copy. Unplug mouse, plug mouse into other computer. Right-click, paste.