Microsoft To Release Free Cloud Version Of Windows
What happened?
Microsoft revealed its plans for future versions of Windows and reports suggest that the company is developing a free, cloud-based version of the operating system that will work in a similar way to Google's Chrome OS. Microsoft has long been rumoured to be working on a cheap or free version of Windows, to encourage people to update their machines and avoid the problems with ageing and insecure software such as XP. This would also allow manufacturers to sell PCs at a lower price, which should revive flagging sales. The latest leaks, as reported on the unofficial Microsoft news site WinBeta, suggest Microsoft's developers are working on a cloud-based version of Windows that will be free. As with Chrome OS, certain features in Windows Cloud (as it's been dubbed) would only be available when you're online, with limited functionality in offline mode. This would allow for a lighter operating system that will take up less space on your PC. However, it would also require a fast and reliable broadband connection.
Microsoft hasn't confirmed any details about Windows Cloud, and industry experts suggested it may be no more than an in-house experiment. Either way, it's certainly an intriguing rumour. As explained in our Essential Masterclass on page 6, Microsoft has just released an update to Windows 8.1 that makes the operating system easier to use. It has also confirmed that the Start Menu will return in a future version, although it's not yet clear if this will be Windows 81 Update 2, Windows 8.2 or Windows 9. Microsoft removed the Start Menu in Windows 8 in favour of the tile-based, touchscreen-friendly Modern interface (more commonly known as Metro). However, complaints from desktop and laptop users, who found the new interface difficult to use with a keyboard and mouse, have led to the standard Start Menu being reinstated. Microsoft is tweaking its Windows versions to better suit the device on which they are installed. The software will perform differently on tablets than on traditional PCs; for example, the Start menu will only be reinstated in desktop versions of the OS, while the Modern Start-screen tiles will be more prominent on a tablet. If the update follows the same pattern as previous releases, it will be free for existing users of Windows 8.1.
How does this affect you?
If you're using Windows 81, you should be automatically updated to the latest version of the operating system for free via Windows Update. The next round of updates is expected to arrive in the autumn. If you've been avoiding upgrading to Windows 8 - and, in turn, Windows 8.1 because you've heard it's harder to use on a standard PC, you may want to wait for the return of the Start menu before abandoning your current set-up. However, if you're planning to move on from Windows XP (as is wise, now that Microsoft has ended support for it), you may have no choice other than to switch to Windows 8.1, because virtually all new PCs and laptops now run that operating system.
What do we think?
Windows Cloud is an intriguing idea, although it's hard to see Microsoft releasing software that depends as heavily on a web connection as the rumours suggest. But we like the idea of a Chrome OS-style system that's simple to use and automatically updates. The full power of Windows is wasted on some users, who do little more than access the web and create the occasional Word document. A cut-down version that's less demanding of a PC's resources, cheap or free to get and easier to use would certainly appeal to many people. We hope Microsoft keeps working on Windows Cloud, because it's an idea with real potential. As for Windows 8.1, Microsoft seems stuck between a rock and a hard place. It's often accused of failing to innovate, but when it does push the boundaries of Windows, it angers and frustrates users who don't always welcome change and may resent being forced to learn how to use a new operating system. While Windows 8 wasn't ideal for desktop users, Microsoft deserves credit for trying something new, and it hasn't failed to address its users' complaints. Having got rid of the Start Menu, it's now set to reinstate it following popular demand. Microsoft might not get Windows right first time, every time, but at least it's happy to keep working to improve it.
Microsoft revealed its plans for future versions of Windows and reports suggest that the company is developing a free, cloud-based version of the operating system that will work in a similar way to Google's Chrome OS. Microsoft has long been rumoured to be working on a cheap or free version of Windows, to encourage people to update their machines and avoid the problems with ageing and insecure software such as XP. This would also allow manufacturers to sell PCs at a lower price, which should revive flagging sales. The latest leaks, as reported on the unofficial Microsoft news site WinBeta, suggest Microsoft's developers are working on a cloud-based version of Windows that will be free. As with Chrome OS, certain features in Windows Cloud (as it's been dubbed) would only be available when you're online, with limited functionality in offline mode. This would allow for a lighter operating system that will take up less space on your PC. However, it would also require a fast and reliable broadband connection.Microsoft hasn't confirmed any details about Windows Cloud, and industry experts suggested it may be no more than an in-house experiment. Either way, it's certainly an intriguing rumour. As explained in our Essential Masterclass on page 6, Microsoft has just released an update to Windows 8.1 that makes the operating system easier to use. It has also confirmed that the Start Menu will return in a future version, although it's not yet clear if this will be Windows 81 Update 2, Windows 8.2 or Windows 9. Microsoft removed the Start Menu in Windows 8 in favour of the tile-based, touchscreen-friendly Modern interface (more commonly known as Metro). However, complaints from desktop and laptop users, who found the new interface difficult to use with a keyboard and mouse, have led to the standard Start Menu being reinstated. Microsoft is tweaking its Windows versions to better suit the device on which they are installed. The software will perform differently on tablets than on traditional PCs; for example, the Start menu will only be reinstated in desktop versions of the OS, while the Modern Start-screen tiles will be more prominent on a tablet. If the update follows the same pattern as previous releases, it will be free for existing users of Windows 8.1.
How does this affect you?
If you're using Windows 81, you should be automatically updated to the latest version of the operating system for free via Windows Update. The next round of updates is expected to arrive in the autumn. If you've been avoiding upgrading to Windows 8 - and, in turn, Windows 8.1 because you've heard it's harder to use on a standard PC, you may want to wait for the return of the Start menu before abandoning your current set-up. However, if you're planning to move on from Windows XP (as is wise, now that Microsoft has ended support for it), you may have no choice other than to switch to Windows 8.1, because virtually all new PCs and laptops now run that operating system.
What do we think?
Windows Cloud is an intriguing idea, although it's hard to see Microsoft releasing software that depends as heavily on a web connection as the rumours suggest. But we like the idea of a Chrome OS-style system that's simple to use and automatically updates. The full power of Windows is wasted on some users, who do little more than access the web and create the occasional Word document. A cut-down version that's less demanding of a PC's resources, cheap or free to get and easier to use would certainly appeal to many people. We hope Microsoft keeps working on Windows Cloud, because it's an idea with real potential. As for Windows 8.1, Microsoft seems stuck between a rock and a hard place. It's often accused of failing to innovate, but when it does push the boundaries of Windows, it angers and frustrates users who don't always welcome change and may resent being forced to learn how to use a new operating system. While Windows 8 wasn't ideal for desktop users, Microsoft deserves credit for trying something new, and it hasn't failed to address its users' complaints. Having got rid of the Start Menu, it's now set to reinstate it following popular demand. Microsoft might not get Windows right first time, every time, but at least it's happy to keep working to improve it.
1 comments:
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