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
Related Stories
Intel reportedly convinced Microsoft not to choose ARM for Surface Go
Microsoft launched its new Surface Go device earlier this month with an Intel Pentium Gold processor inside. It's been one of the main focus points for discussions around performance and mobility for this 10-inch Surface, and lots of people have wondered why Microsoft didn't opt for Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors and Windows on ARM. Paul Thurrott reports that Microsoft wanted to use an ARM processor for the Surface Go, but that Intel intervened.
Intel reportedly "petitioned Microsoft heavily" to use its Pentium Gold processors instead of ARM ones. It's not clear why Microsoft didn't push ahead with its ARM plans for Surface Go, but in my own experience the latest Snapdragon chips simply don't have the performance and compatibility to match Intel on laptops just yet. Microsoft has been working hard to improve this though, despite Intel's threats it would sue competitors like Qualcomm if they attempt to emulate Intel's x86 instruction set architecture.
Wintel looms large.
Previously: The Surface Go Reviews Are In, and... They're a Bit All Over the Place
Related: Intel Hints at Patent Fight With Microsoft and Qualcomm Over x86 Emulation
First ARM Snapdragon-Based Windows 10 S Systems Announced
Snapdragon 1000 ARM SoC Could Compete With Low-Power Intel Chips in Laptops
ARM Aims to Match Intel 15-Watt Laptop CPU Performance
Microsoft is building a Chromium-powered web browser that will replace Edge on Windows 10
Microsoft's Edge web browser has seen little success since its debut on Windows 10 back in 2015. Built from the ground up with a new rendering engine known as EdgeHTML, Microsoft Edge was designed to be fast, lightweight, and secure, but launched with a plethora of issues which resulted in users rejecting it early on. Edge has since struggled to gain any traction, thanks to its continued instability and lack of mindshare, from users and web developers.
Because of this, I'm told that Microsoft is throwing in the towel with EdgeHTML and is instead building a new web browser powered by Chromium, a rendering engine first popularized by Google's Chrome browser. Codenamed Anaheim, this new web browser for Windows 10 will replace Edge as the default browser on the platform. It's unknown at this time if Anaheim will use the Edge brand or a new brand, or if the user interface between Edge and Anaheim is different. One thing is for sure, however; EdgeHTML in Windows 10's default browser is dead.
Report: Windows Lite is Microsoft's long-awaited answer to Chrome OS
The success of Google's Chromebook hardware and Chrome OS software wasn't an inevitability, but the ease of use they afford ended up allowing Google to carve out a niche in a very crowded PC marketplace. Ever since Chrome OS entered the scene, we've been waiting for Microsoft to come out with its own pared down version of Windows, but its half-hearted attempts (Windows 10 S, Windows RT) have all fallen flat.
Those failures haven't stopped Microsoft though, as Petri on Monday reported that the company is working on "a new version of Windows that may not actually be Windows." Based on the documentation he has seen, Petri's Brad Sams believes that Windows Lite — the new OS — is Microsoft's answer to Chrome OS.
According to Sams, Windows Lite will only run Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, while removing all other functionality. He says that this is the first "truly lightweight version of Windows" – one which won't run in enterprise or small business environments, and may not even be available for purchase on its own. Just like Chrome OS, Windows Lite will have to be pre-installed by an OEM.
Microsoft ChromeOS: It's Linux-Free!
Qualcomm announces the Snapdragon 8cx, an 'extreme' processor for Windows laptops
The "X" stands for "extreme." That's what Qualcomm's marketing department wants you to think about the new eight-core Snapdragon 8cx.
It's a brand-new processor for always-connected Windows laptops and 2-in-1 convertible PCs, and from Qualcomm's perspective, it might seem a little extreme. Physically, it's the largest processor the company has ever made, with the most powerful CPU and GPU Qualcomm has devised yet. Qualcomm says it'll be the first 7nm chip for a PC platform, beating a struggling Intel to the punch, and the biggest performance leap for a Snapdragon ever. The company's promising "amazing battery life," and up to 2Gbps cellular connectivity.
The TDP is 7 Watts, and the chip supports up to 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM.
Previously, a "Snapdragon 1000" for laptops was said to be in the works, but with a 12 Watt TDP.
See also: Firefox running on a Qualcomm 8cx-powered PC feels surprisingly decent
Previously: First ARM Snapdragon-Based Windows 10 S Systems Announced
Snapdragon 845 Announced
ARM Aims to Match Intel 15-Watt Laptop CPU Performance
Intel Reportedly "Petitioned Microsoft Heavily" to Use x86 Instead of ARM Chips in Surface Go
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday March 05 2019, @09:18PM (1 child)
That's an oxymoron if I've ever heard one.
(Score: 3, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday March 05 2019, @09:32PM
No... they took out the telemetry and the code's now 50% lighter. But don't worry, they'll add it back in the Windows Lite Fall NSA Edition update.
(Score: 3, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday March 05 2019, @09:26PM (10 children)
(Score: 4, Insightful) by Snow on Tuesday March 05 2019, @09:30PM
They are leaders in forcing crap you don't want down your throat (Windows 10, Cortana, Office 365, Onedrive, Manditory monolithic updates, telemetry program, windows store, ...).
(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.
(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.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Revek on Tuesday March 05 2019, @09:54PM
They can't seem to grasp that in order to make it in the mobile market they have to quit trying to shove desktop software into a smaller form factor. You would think that they would learn but nope not so far.
This page was generated by a Swarm of Roaming Elephants
(Score: 3, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday March 05 2019, @10:05PM
Telemetry is malware
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday March 05 2019, @10:29PM (2 children)
It's called Fedora
(Score: 1, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday March 05 2019, @10:55PM
How's that systemd working out for you?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday March 05 2019, @11:00PM
Watch out for a #1F70C1 colored IBM van coming after your gonads for slandering their offering.
(Score: 2) by Gaaark on Wednesday March 06 2019, @12:23AM (1 child)
How about Microsoft Bob-bitt.
Cut down version that gets pieced together awkwardly and will end up just playing pornos...after hitting you AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN
--- Please remind me if I haven't been civil to you: I'm channeling MDC. ---Gaaark 2.0 ---
(Score: 3, Insightful) by DannyB on Wednesday March 06 2019, @03:13PM
> How about Microsoft Bob-bitt.
I wonder how many young 'uns here were born too late to get that joke.
To transfer files: right-click on file, pick Copy. Unplug mouse, plug mouse into other computer. Right-click, paste.
(Score: 4, Funny) by Snotnose on Wednesday March 06 2019, @01:35AM (1 child)
It was around 2000, Microsoft gave us Windows Consumer Edition, which they called WinCE. yeah, nice naming. It was their Real Time Os that should be used in embedded devices. I, unfortunately, worked for a company who's number #1 priority was Microsoft Is Boss.
What do you want in a Real Time OS? Hard time worst case for responding to an interrupt. Hard limits to stack size. Hard limits to memory needed. Control over which process was most important Right Fucking Now. And a couple others I've forgotten.
You can't guarantee you'll respond to an interrupt before the next interrupt comes in? Think stepper motors, miss an interrupt and your hardware is now behind reality. Think MPEG decoding, now your sound is behind your picture, and will never catch up. Next missed interrupt makes things worse. I could go on and on
You can't guarantee your maximum stack size? I have very limited RAM, I need to decide how much goes to stack and how much to everything else. Stack grows into RAM? Yeah, that's always fun in an embedded system.
You can't tell me my process controlling the stepper motor can't become The Most Fucking Important Thing In The Whole System isn't guaranteed to be the most important task when It's got the highest priority because Windows needs to, I dunno, really, I dunno. Never mind my apps entire reason for existing is controlling that stepper motor.
I fucking hated WinCE, and I dealt with it for a good 18 months before I got another job.
When the dust settled America realized it was saved by a porn star.
(Score: 2) by Snotnose on Thursday March 07 2019, @02:05AM
Um, this was not meant to be funny. Sad, stupid, clueless? yes. Funny? No.
Put yourself in my shoes. I had several hard realtime OS requirements. WinCE could meet exactly 0 of those. Yet I was forced to use WinCE. I left that job because WinCE could not do the job, yet management insisted on WinCE. WinCE was never going to do the job and, in fact, the company folded a year after I left.
/ there's a story in that
// I was interviewing with a company when rumors started about layoffs
/// Talked to my manager, told him to put me at the top of the list (I was probably there already due to my WinCE issues, but who knows)
//// Got laid off with 3 month severance, started my new job the next Monday.
When the dust settled America realized it was saved by a porn star.