Microsoft is hosting a big software and hardware event on May 2 in New York, and a cool new Surface CloudBook running Windows 10 Cloud could make its debut.
The event will focus on education, so it's unlikely that we'll see the highly anticipated Microsoft Surface Pro 5 or Surface Book 2. The very elusive Surface Phone that's been rumored for ages is not expected to make an appearance at the event either.
Microsoft Surface CloudBook On Windows 10 Cloud
Instead, Microsoft could use the event to unveil a midrange laptop — something between a Surface tablet and a Surface Book — designed for education. That said, this device should be an affordable offering suitable for the classroom, and rather than the full-fledged Windows 10, this laptop could run the rumored Windows 10 Cloud.
While there's no official information available at this point, Windows 10 Cloud is expected to run only apps from the Windows Store, potentially with an option to change this in the Settings.
Windows 10 Cloud presumably aims to keep devices more secure, but it could also come with some limitations compared with the full-fledged version of Windows. For instance, machines running Windows 10 Cloud will likely not be able to run apps such as Steam or others that are not available on the Windows Store. The rumored Microsoft Surface CloudBook could be the first Windows 10 Cloud machine to hit the scene.
Getting Over Windows RT
If this idea sounds vaguely familiar, it's because Microsoft already tried something like this a few years ago, when it released a Surface RT tablet running what it called Windows RT. That was a watered-down version of Windows 8 that didn't really catch on, but rather caused confusion and disappointment more than anything else.
Windows RT basically looked like Windows at first glance, but didn't really work like it at all. It turned out to be a major flop because it could offer a desktop mode and some Windows utilities, but could not run traditional desktop apps which severely limited its performance. All in all, Windows RT was an ambitious project but ultimately a failure.
Windows 10 didn't include an RT version, but it might soon get a Cloud version. Nevertheless, Microsoft has learned a lot in the past few years since it tried and failed with Windows RT, and Windows 10 Cloud is expected to be a whole different story.
At the same time, Apple and Google have also come a long way in recent years and the market is getting more competitive. Apple went up against Microsoft's Surface Pro line with iPad Pro tablets with optional keyboard covers; Google launched a number of convertible, detachable and traditional Chromebooks and also brought Android apps to Chromebooks; and Microsoft has to rise to the challenge.
With this in mind, Microsoft is expected to come up with new hardware at more affordable price points, especially since Apple recently launched its cheapest iPad to date.
Windows 10 Cloud And Microsoft CloudBook
Windows 10 Cloud is expected to be Microsoft's answer to Google's Chromebooks and work with Universal Windows Platform Apps or Win32 apps. The new Windows version should also be far cheaper than other Windows 10 SKUs such as Pro or Home, albeit it remains to be seen.
The Surface CloudBook should come with a host of educational apps on board and will most likely make its debut at Microsoft's education event on May 2, but it remains unclear at this point just what specs and features it will have to offer. Rumors indicate that it could run on an ARM processor and this theory makes sense, since Microsoft teamed up with Qualcomm late last year to give ARM another shot.
It's all in the rumor state for now so take things with a grain of salt, but Microsoft's event is just around the corner and we'll keep you in the loop as soon as we get the official scoop. Would you be interested in a Windows 10 Cloud-powered Microsoft CloudBook? Let us know in the comments section below.
