Windows 10 on Raspberry Pi 2, and soon to octa-core smartphones.
Microsoft continues to make significant efforts in positioning Windows 10 in as many devices as possible, further establishing Windows 10, not only as a new version of Windows, but, in many ways, a new operating system that aims to be as device-agnostic as possible.
This time it’s not about Linux
With the introduction of the new ARMv7 board, Windows support is coming to Raspberry Pi, with a specialized version of Windows 10 that will be available for free.
While the move may seem like an attempt to step into a territory traditionally considered Linux sacred ground, there is a chance for tinkerers to display a certain amount of curiosity on the type of applications they can create.
The range of devices Windows 10 is getting ready to target goes as far as home automation. Windows 10’s official induction in Raspberry Pi 2, is likely to occur within a couple of months, according to Microsoft Windows IoT Group Kevin Dallas, who shared:
“...We see the Maker community as an amazing source of innovation for smart, connected devices that represent the very foundation of the next wave of computing, and we’re excited to be a part of this community...”
Octa-core phones are coming
An important aspect in which Microsoft is showing promise, is a future of Windows 10 Phone devices featuring desktop-class performance, and advanced GPU capabilities.
On Friday, March 6, Microsoft will take the stage at the Game Developers Conference, with a presentation titled: “Sustained Gaming Performance in Multi-Core Mobile Devices”.
The description spells, in no uncertain terms, that Microsoft is working on new Windows Phones running on eight cores, as well as more powerful GPUs. Within the same paragraph, Microsoft is also addressing concerns in regard to battery power and heat dissipation, and urging developers to take these issues into consideration when creating games.
Considering the bar Microsoft has set for itself with DirectX 12, as well as the integration of Continuum into the Xbox ecosystem there is a strong chance for an eight-core Windows Phone as early as this year, featuring 3D Touch technology, although Microsoft is making every effort to keep its best cards close to the vest, as it did with HoloLens, whose future seems to be very much linked to Xbox as well.