Microsoft has released a lot of hardware over the years. Prime examples are the company’s Surface line of Windows devices as well as peripherals and other hardware.
Today, Microsoft announced This is the first desktop PC. This is special for many reasons. The three big factors are the price of the device, what it offers and who it is designed for.
Windows 365 link from Microsoft
Microsoft says it will sell a Windows 365 Link” PC for $349. It also includes a Windows 11 license. A Windows 11 PC for such a low price? It really should be a barebones system, right?
It is, but not something that can be compared to relatively inexpensive desktop PCS. Here’s the reason:
The Windows 365 link is shortened. Its size is 12 x 12 cm and height is just 3 cm. It looks like a box that you place under your TV to stream content. And that’s pretty much what this device does.
It’s a PC that streams Windows from the cloud. So, you need internet connectivity to boot into Windows. Microsoft describes this system as “a locked-down operating system with no local data or apps, and no local administrator users”.
As far as availability is concerned, Windows 365 Link is a tool only for enterprise and education customers at this time. That is, it is only available to organizations that use Windows 365 with Microsoft Intune and a Microsoft Entra ID, and that meet all other Windows 365 requirements.
Here are the details about the device that Microsoft revealed today:
- Price: $349
- Processor: Intel
- RAM: 8 gigabytes
- Storage: 64 gigabytes
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI port, DisplayPort, Ethernet port, three USB-A and one USB-C port, audio jack.
Microsoft claims that the processing power of the device is enough for “high-performance video playback and conferencing.”
It is already available as a preview in select markets. Microsoft lists the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. It will become generally available next year.
Windows 365 Link is the first device of its kind, but Microsoft has already indicated it is working on additional devices with other form factors.
concluding words
Like it or not, cloud PCs will be established as an option in the coming years. While Windows 365 Link is designed for enterprise customers, it’s possible that Microsoft is already working on a device for consumers.
Some activities may not require access to the local operating system. A cloud PC optimized for gaming, web browsing, or shopping may work well for some people. The tradeoff is that you give up control of the device.
Would you buy Microsoft 365 Link PC if it was available for $349? Or are you in the “hell needs to freeze over” kind of camp before you can use this kind of equipment? Feel free to leave a comment below.
Thanks for reading..
