Microsoft is working on a ChromeOS competitor called Windows 10X, which is essentially a lightweight variant of the standard operating system. The stripped-down OS actually looks incredibly clean, sexy, and practical to use, but Windows Central has learned that it’ll ship without a crucial, core feature: native Win32 app support.
A Windows OS that can’t support traditional programs? What the heck is the point of that, you might ask. Fear not, as Windows 10X will still retain some level of Win32 app support – instead of being run locally (via software dubbed “ContainerOS”), such programs will be executed through the cloud. That implies users will need an internet connection just to run an app, which doesn’t sound all that appealing, but it does come with benefits such as lower hardware requirements and power usage.
“Interestingly, I’m told that with the removal of ContainerOS, Microsoft can now proceed with Windows 10X on ARM powered PCs in addition to Intel,” Windows Central added. “Originally, ContainerOS was the reason why Microsoft was limiting Windows 10X to Intel-based PCs, but with ContainterOS gone, that limitation is lifted. We’ll have to see if any ARM based PCs will be ready when Windows 10X launches next year.”