Microsoft will probably be releasing a very stripped down version of a Windows-based laptop with the bare minimum spec in hardware and software, probably aimed at the developing markets as well as educational institutions.
The specs for Windows 10 Cloud laptops have leaked out (file photo)
According to Liliputing, Microsoft will be making a low-cost “Cloudbook” laptop. Cloudbook, because it will run a version of Windows 10 called the Windows 10 Cloud which will be a very bare-bones experience of Windows. It also seems that although Microsoft will be making these systems by itself, the company hopes that other manufacturers step in and also develop similar solutions using the Windows mainframe.
We know this, because the company has released a spec table that shows the minimum requirements that OEMs will require in order to run its new OS. According to the spec-sheet, the market is aimed broadly at very cheap laptop markets, with the core components not needing to be too beefy to for function. We can expect a number of super-cheap laptops that will come with easily accessible hardware to boot. Having said that, the specs are more or less the same as what one might come across in a cheap notebook.
The minimum hardware requirements include: a quad-core CPU (Celeron or better); 4GB of RAM; 32GB of storage (64GB for 64-bit architectures); a battery backup of no less than 40 Whr; eMMC or SSD storage options; optional support for stylus and pens. Now, it must be noted that these specs are the minimum requirements and that it is possible that the final devices that will be released should have better specifications overall. Our guess is that these particular devices will be aimed at emerging markets who are keen on making computers accessible everywhere. Despite the specs seeming low, it can be seen that there are numerous laptops out there that offer much lower specs and offer Windows 10 as well, most notably the older laptops which received the Windows 10 upgrade and are working just fine.
Microsoft has strongly hinted that the software will be educational-oriented, at least starting at launch. This could be a good reason, because there is reason to believe that the Windows Cloud OS is more secure since it will be based on the Microsoft Cloud infrastructure that limits the OS’ operation from connecting to any external medium apart from the Windows Store. This means networking is fairly straightforward and schools as well as colleges will probably want to keep it that way if they want their students not check-in on their Facebook timeline.
Now Windows RT used to be the bridge that was formed between the bare-bones Windows experience and the full-fledged one. It seems like Windows 10 Cloud will probably the successor to the platform. The added benefit is that, users will be able to upgrade Windows 10 Cloud to a fully-operational Windows 10 OS; something which was not possible on Windows RT.
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