What you need to know
- Microsoft has unveiled a $349 desktop PC, designed to exclusively run Windows 11 via the cloud with Windows 365.
- It features a small, fanless design with multiple ports, fast booting and instant wake times.
- The device is called the Windows 365 Link and is expected to go on sale in April 2025, aimed solely at enterprise customers.
As a tech-savvy individual who has witnessed the evolution of personal computing since the days of the Commodore 64, I must admit that Microsoft’s latest announcement has piqued my interest. The Windows 365 Link, a cloud-based desktop PC, is an intriguing concept that seems to be tailored for the modern era where flexibility and mobility are paramount.
Today, Microsoft unveiled an unexpected twist in desktop PC technology: instead of a traditional device, they are introducing the world’s first “boot-to-cloud” computer. This innovative gadget, named the “Windows 365 Link,” will only run Windows 11 by streaming it online via Windows 365 service. It is scheduled to hit the market in April 2025 for $349.
This device functions similarly to a compact computer, boasting a fanless construction that quickly boots and instantly awakens from standby mode. Capable of driving up to two 4K monitors, it offers three USB-A connections, one USB-C port, an audio jack, an Ethernet jack, DisplayPort, HDMI port, as well as support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 technology.
This compact PC measures only 120 x 120 x 30 mm, making it notably smaller than the latest Mac mini. Inside its petite frame resides an Intel processor with 8GB RAM and 64GB storage. Although Microsoft hasn’t specified the exact Intel processor used, considering the device’s design, it’s expected to be a power-efficient model.
Microsoft asserts that the Windows 365 Link device offers a “high-quality” experience, booting in mere seconds and waking instantly from sleep mode. Microsoft refers to it as the pioneer of a new category of devices intended to remain perpetually online and linked to a Cloud PC. Without an active internet connection, this device becomes inoperable.
In this scenario, the Windows 365 connection doesn’t have its own Neural Processing Unit (NPU), but that won’t make a difference for now. Microsoft has plans to enhance Windows 365 next year by incorporating numerous advanced features from Windows 11’s Copilot+, such as Windows Recall, Click To Do, and AI-powered Search. This means that devices lacking an NPU will soon benefit from these capabilities when they access Windows 11 through the cloud.
The link for Windows 365 is specifically designed for business clients at this time; individual consumers don’t have access to this service. The product will become available in April of next year, priced at $349 per unit (excluding the necessary Windows 365 subscription). A test program has already started for businesses interested in trying out the device prior to its release.
The first Windows “NXT” device?
As per Microsoft, the device operates on a compact version of Windows, referred to as “Windows CoreOS” or “WNC”. While Microsoft does not provide extensive details about this particular edition, it’s been suggested that it could be derived from the lightweight CorePC edition codenamed NXT (or WNC). This streamlined OS is said to only manage tasks like the device setup and sign-in processes for a full Windows 11 operating system running in a Cloud PC environment, without supporting standalone apps.
It’s rumored that Microsoft could have more extensive plans for NXT in the future, but let’s save that discussion for another day. For now, we understand that the Windows 365 Link device doesn’t store personal data or run applications on its own, but it does come with “minimal applicable configuration policies” which can be tailored using Microsoft Intune for customization.
It seems clear that this device is designed to manage certain tasks on its own, specifically providing high-quality experiences like Microsoft Teams meetings and Webex by Cisco. Although the details are not fully disclosed, it’s suggested that it will offer local processing. Additionally, you may find some settings pages for adjusting connected devices such as webcams and microphones.
At Windows Central, we’re consistently thrilled when a fresh taste of Windows emerges, regardless if this particular version is designed to operate invisibly. If it indeed uses the CorePC/NXT foundation as we anticipate, it promises an intriguing exploration to uncover how all its internal mechanisms function.
In essence, the purpose of this particular gadget is geared towards promoting Windows 365. Consequently, the installed Windows NXT version will be basic and stripped-down. It would be intriguing to discover if anyone manages to run a full version of Windows 11 on it locally, or perhaps even a lightweight operating system like Android or Chrome OS.
The future of desktop computing?
As a devoted admirer, I must express my excitement about the emergence of the Windows 365 Link device – a significant stride in a fresh direction that I haven’t seen from Microsoft for the conventional Windows desktop. While Windows 365 has been around for several years now, primarily catering to enterprise needs, it’s clear that Microsoft is planning to make this service more accessible and appealing to everyday consumers in the near future.
As a researcher, I’m exploring Microsoft’s mission to make Windows universally accessible and convenient for users at all times. The answer seems to lie in Cloud PCs, a subscription-based service that allows me to access my personal Windows PC from anywhere, using an app on my smartphone, tablet, or laptop. This means any device I use can serve as a gateway into my own workspace, enabling me to log in and continue my work regardless of my location around the globe.
This setup isn’t suitable for everyone, but I can understand its allure for certain individuals. If you aren’t a gamer and don’t plan on frequently using a computer, why invest in an expensive dedicated Windows PC that will seldom be utilized? Instead, consider subscribing to a Cloud PC only when needed.
Devices such as Windows 365 Link are ideally suited for educational institutions and shared workspaces like hot-desking, where various individuals utilize the desk area daily. Regardless of the location you choose to sit, you can easily access your personal Cloud PC and continue from where you left off with all your applications and files at hand – be it in the office, at home, on public transport, or anywhere else.
Absolutely, there will continuously be situations where running full Windows on local hardware is essential, and that choice remains available for those needs. However, I’ve encountered numerous individuals who no longer own PCs and manage their tasks exclusively on smartphones or tablets. These tech-savvy folks could potentially reap significant advantages from a service like Windows 365.
If Microsoft successfully achieves game streaming through Xbox Cloud (XCloud), I struggle to understand why they couldn’t achieve the same for desktop applications on Windows, given that it should be significantly simpler in terms of latency and image quality.
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2024-11-19 16:39