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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: 2) by krishnoid on Tuesday March 05 2019, @09:42PM (8 children)
How about a dual-mode Windows Lite + Chromebook? I bet they could sell more of those by telling people they don't have to choose (except between MiChromeDows Lite and Apple). They've already given up on the Windows phone and told people to move to Android -- a MicroogleBook that could run Android apps would be a pretty nice entry point for kids.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday March 05 2019, @10:24PM (2 children)
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday March 06 2019, @04:38AM (1 child)
I understand Microsoft's evil. They simply want to make money and will do anything they can to achieve that goal. Google on the other hand appears to want to force me to change myself to better suit their ideals of what I should be, fuck Google.
(Score: 2) by DannyB on Wednesday March 06 2019, @03:11PM
You forgot the most important part. Google is not evil. I know because Google says they are not evil.
When Google tells me what to do, I am happy to comply and to believe that it was my own idea all along.
To transfer files: right-click on file, pick Copy. Unplug mouse, plug mouse into other computer. Right-click, paste.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday March 06 2019, @12:43AM
That option has effectively existed already. Think there was an Acer Aspire netbook/hybrid tablet or Asus Eeeeeepc that came bundled with a package for instating an Android x86 dual boot setup. Don't think it caught on.
(Score: 2) by takyon on Wednesday March 06 2019, @01:51AM
Google May Allow Windows 10 to Dual-Boot or Run Alongside ChromeOS on Chromebooks [soylentnews.org]
Put the full Windows 10 instead of the latest CE/S version. Windows RAM requirements have declined IIRC and Chromebooks are usually packing 4 GB minimum instead of 2 GB. Storage should only be a problem if the OEM is cheaping out and trying to ship 16 GB.
[SIG] 10/28/2017: Soylent Upgrade v14 [soylentnews.org]
(Score: 2) by DannyB on Wednesday March 06 2019, @03:04PM (2 children)
I have a nice Pixelbook. It works just great without Windows. Probably even better without Windows.
Now why would I want Windows?
Dual boot sucks. You always suddenly want something that is on the other partition or an app that runs in the other OS.
To transfer files: right-click on file, pick Copy. Unplug mouse, plug mouse into other computer. Right-click, paste.
(Score: 2) by krishnoid on Wednesday March 06 2019, @08:56PM (1 child)
You wouldn't want Windows as much as you have to run a few Windows apps from time to time (even just Windows remote desktop) because your corporate IT provides most services via the Windows ecosystem. Dual boot does suck; it could be *very* handy to have both OS's live at the same time, possibly sharing a few files via a Samba-alike.
(Score: 2) by DannyB on Wednesday March 06 2019, @09:24PM
I've never been in this situation. But if I were on a trip where I needed corporate Windows apps, I would just bring a corporate Windows laptop and probably not bring a personal laptop. Problem neatly solved. At least for any use cases I can see myself in.
To transfer files: right-click on file, pick Copy. Unplug mouse, plug mouse into other computer. Right-click, paste.