MIcrosoft brings out an Android phone, but still betting on Windows
The new Microsoft Surface Duo comes with Android as its operating system . This marks the company's return to the mobile device market after its failed attempt to establish Nokia with Windows. However, Satya Nadella's company hasn't abandoned Windows altogether.
The main novelty is that it was done in collaboration with Google, and that it is a foldable terminal with two screens.
The new Microsoft Surface Duo. This is what we know
The smartphone is designed as a dual-screen device , each screen measuring 5,6 inches. The two screens are connected by a hinge system that allows for 360-degree rotation. This enables the user to use them in various configurations. One of the screens can function as a keyboard, transforming the device into a mini-laptop.
The first result of the collaboration between Redmond and Mountain View is that two applications can be run simultaneously . I assume it will be one on each screen.
The operating system for these devices will be Android Pie 9, modified to suit the hardware specifications. And I imagine that instead of Chrome, Calendar, and Gmail, it will come with Edge and Outlook. Microsoft could have its own app store if it wanted. The official Google Play Store has 150 apps from different parts of the company, with a combined total of 500 million downloads.
Speaking of hardware, the processor will be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 , and for now, it doesn't have a front-facing camera. However, this could change in the future.
If you want, you can start preparing your letter to the Three Wise Men, but you'll have to wait quite a while because the market launch will be in December 2020.
Forget Windows with the Linux kernel
One thing became clear. The idea of ​​Windows running on the Linux kernel was just wishful thinking on the part of Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols, the Computer World columnist.
Just look at the other announcements from the event to realize that Microsoft can use another operating system if its customers ask for it, but it's not going to give up so easily in those sectors where it leads.
At the launch ceremony, another dual-screen device was unveiled: the Surface Neo tablet. What operating system does the Surface Neo run? Windows 10X.
It's Windows 10, in a more modular form, optimized for dual-screen and foldable devices.
And I can assure you that the foundation of Windows 10X is not the Linux kernel. It's Windows Core OS (WCOS).
Windows Core OS is the result of Microsoft's efforts to standardize a set of core components in Windows so that they work on different types of devices . WCOS is a combination of parts of OneCore OS, the UWP/Web and Win32 application packages, and the C-Shell compiler.
And just in case there's any doubt, Microsoft executives confirmed that any new dual-screen, foldable Windows device manufactured by Microsoft partners like Dell, Lenovo, HP, Asus, and others will also run Windows 10X.
It would be strange for Microsoft to use the core of its operating system for mobile devices and discard it for desktops. Especially since Windows Core OS will also run on HoloLens 2 and Surface Hub 2X.
HoloLens 2 is a virtul reality device that allows you to interact with Microsoft cloud services. Surface Hub 2X is smart equipment for conference rooms.
What about desktop computers?
The truth is that Microsoft wants desktop users to migrate to the cloud . Some users have commented on the disappearance of the option to use a local account (whose data is stored on the computer) and the fact that using a Microsoft account, which requires online verification, has become mandatory.
On the other hand, and I can attest to this, Windows 10 starts to use the One Drive cloud storage service for documents by default in case you have a subscription.
Furthermore, it is allowing users worldwide to try the Windows virtual desktop for free . This desktop enables users to virtualize Windows 7 and 10 applications, Office 365 ProPlus, and other third-party applications by running them remotely on Azure virtual machines.
For this, in addition to a Microsoft account, you need a client that is available for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS and HTML 5.