At the Ignite 2024 conference, Microsoft unveiled a mini PC called Windows 365 Link that runs a new OS - Windows NXT. It is the world's first computer designed exclusively for work from the cloud. It is noted that the device starts up in a matter of seconds and instantly wakes up from sleep mode, which allows you to quickly get back to work.
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Windows 365 Link connect you to a cloud virtual machine with Windows 11 in the Windows 365 service. The computer does not support the installation and launch of local applications. Without an Internet connection, the device becomes unusable.
Windows NXT
The Windows 365 Link mini PC runs a "compact Windows-based OS." Details about the system aren't available yet, but sources close to Microsoft claim it's based on a lightweight version of Windows CorePC and is codenamed "NXT" (or "WNC").
Windows "NXT" cannot run Windows apps and is primarily designed to run web apps. In Windows 365 Link, it offers local system setup and displays a login screen for connecting to a cloud virtual machine running Windows 11.
It is also reported that Microsoft may have global plans for the future of Windows "NXT".
It looks like Windows 365 Link will still be able to handle some tasks locally. Microsoft mentions that the device will offer local processing for Microsoft Teams and Webex by Cisco meetings. There will likely also be local pages for configuring peripherals, such as microphones or webcams.
Windows 365 Link Hardware
On the hardware side, the device sports passive cooling and compact dimensions - 120 x 120 x 30 mm. The device is equipped with an Intel processor, 8 GB of RAM and a 64 GB SSD drive. It supports image output to two displays with a resolution of 4K. The computer received three USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an audio jack, Ethernet, DisplayPort and HDMI. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are supported.
Windows 365 Link does not include a neural processing unit (NPU), but it is not required. Next year, Microsoft plans to update the Windows 365 service to support the latest Copilot+ intelligence features in Windows 11. This means that when using Windows 11, features like Windows Recall, Click To Do, and more will be available from the cloud.
The new product targets the enterprise segment, where cloud solutions like Windows 365 have proven to be in high demand. The device will go on sale in April 2025 at a price of $349.
Source: Windows Central, thecommunity
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