Microsoft to release a 'Lite' version of Windows 10 later this year: report

The OS is designed to ability a new generation of dual-screen and Chromebook-like devices

Microsoft is developing a new, lightweight version of Windows ten that it could launch equally early as later this yr, according to The Verge's Tom Warren.

Citing sources "familiar with Microsoft'south plans," Warren writes that the new operating system, codenamed 'Windows Light,' is initially designed to launch on dual-screen PC devices. However, Microsoft eventually plans to filter out the Os to a new generation of devices designed to compete with Google's Chromebook platform. A report from ZDNet'south Mary Jo Foley, published in late February, said Microsoft was developing a dual-screen laptop codenamed "Centarus" at the time. Foley as well said that Microsoft could exist developing a Windows Lite laptop codenamed "Pegasus."

Third-party PC manufacturers could launch hardware featuring Windows Light as early every bit later this year. Microsoft has already created a new Composable Shell (C-Shell) and Windows Core Bone to power the operating system. The new Windows Core OS is already featured in upcoming devices like HoloLens 2.

Mock-ups of the operating system's user interface accept been floating around the internet for several months now. Co-ordinate to Warren's sources, they're accurate, though, equally always, things could alter earlier launch. In its electric current iteration, the interface of Windows Calorie-free borrows liberally from Windows ten, and adds elements from Microsoft'due south Surface Hub, as well equally the visitor'southward Windows Phone Continuum UI.

It's possible Microsoft could announce Windows Low-cal as its upcoming Build developer briefing in May. It's unclear, however, what the OS will be called when it does in fact launch.

Source: The Verge