Microsoft has announced it will soon bring Windows 10X to existing, single-screen devices.
Windows 10X is a version of Microsoft’s operating system (OS) designed specifically for foldable devices. The company had planned on introducing the Surface Neo, a foldable device running the OS, before reportedly putting the device on hold as a result of the pandemic. The belief was that the company needed to focus on the computers and tablets people were currently using, and help them get the most from them, rather than release an entirely new class of device. Those same reports indicated that Windows 10X would likewise be delayed, but it appears Microsoft has changed its mind.
“The world is a very different place than it was last October when we shared our vision for a new category of dual-screen Windows devices,” writes Panos Panay, Chief Product Officer, Windows and Devices. “As we continue to put customers’ needs at the forefront, we need to focus on meeting customers where they are now. Our customers are leveraging the power of the cloud more than ever, and we believe the time is right to lean into this acceleration in a different way.
“With Windows 10X, we designed for flexibility, and that flexibility has enabled us to pivot our focus toward single-screen Windows 10X devices that leverage the power of the cloud to help our customers work, learn and play in new ways. These single-screen devices will be the first expression of Windows 10X that we deliver to our customers, and we will continue to look for the right moment, in conjunction with our OEM partners, to bring dual-screen devices to market.”
The announcement is welcome news for individuals and corporations looking forward to Windows 10X. In addition to its support for dual-screen devices, the OS is a modernized version of Windows, with the legacy components stripped out. As such, it focuses on an improved user experience and enhanced security. Releasing it for existing devices in the short-term is a good move for Microsoft and customers alike.