Microsoft at the ongoing Computex 2019 dropped pretty big hints about the future of Windows operating system and also showcased Microsoft 365, Windows platform, Azure IoT technologies that device partners can use to deliver modern PC experiences and build a new generation of connected devices and IoT solutions.
Microsoft says that the new modern PCs and innovative devices in the ecosystem will require a ‘modern operating system’ hinting at the future of the Windows operating system. The modern operating system will include ‘enablers’ like seamless updates where OS updates are invisibly done in the background. The software giant adds that the update experience will be deterministic, reliable, and instant without any interruptions.
The modern OS will also be secure by default, which means that the state is separated from the operating system and compute is separated from applications. The OS will work with 5G and include a variety of inputs like pen, voice, touch, even gaze and enables cloud-connected experiences that use the compute power of the cloud to enhance users experiences on their devices.
Also, Microsoft did not mention the word ‘Windows’ anywhere and says “These enablers and delighters underpin our vision for a Modern OS, they will provide the foundational elements for an evolution of the PC ecosystem and enable partners to deliver the more human-centric experiences of tomorrow”.
It is to be seen when Microsoft will unveil the ‘modern OS’ and even though the company doesn’t mention the word ‘Windows’ anywhere, modern OS could already apply to Windows as it exists today.
Nick Parker — Corporate Vice President, Consumer and Device Sales, Microsoft said:
These new modern PCs and innovative devices the ecosystem will continue to build and bring to market in the future require a modern operating system. An OS that provides a set of enablers that deliver the foundational experiences customers expect from their devices, and includes a set of delighters that deliver innovative human centric experiences. Enablers include seamless updates – with a modern OS updates are invisibly done in the background; the update experience is deterministic, reliable, and instant with no interruptions! A modern OS, is also secure by default, the state is separated from the operating system; compute is separated from applications; this protects the user from malicious attacks throughout the device lifecycle.
Always connected -with a modern OS Wifi, LTE 5G will just work – and users never have to worry about a deadspot. All of a users devices are aware and connected to each other. A modern OS provides sustained performance, from the moment a user picks up their device – everything is ready to go – without having to worry about the next time the PC needs to be charged. These enablers will satisfy customer’s basic needs, but to truly differentiate we must also delight them. A modern OS does this by enabling cloud-connected experiences that use the compute power of the cloud to enhance users experiences on their devices.
These experiences are powered by AI, so a modern OS is aware of what a user is doing tomorrow and helps them get it done, and it enhances applications making them more intelligent. A modern OS is also multi-sense. People can use pen, voice, touch, even gaze – what ever input method a user wants to use works just as well as the keyboard and mouse. Finally, a modern OS provides the ultimate in form factor agility. A modern OS has the right sensor support and posture awareness to enable the breadth of innovative form factors and applications that our partner ecosystem will deliver.