Microsoft previewed several new features of windows 365 cloud PC, a subscription based service that transmits the operating system from the cloud through an Internet connection.
Users can directly log in to the windows 365 cloud PC when starting the machine, and switch between the local Windows PC and the cloud PC in a manner similar to the current switching between desktops. They can also use the cloud computer offline and automatically synchronize when the connection is restored.
“The line between your computer and the cloud is disappearing,” Satya NADELLA, Microsoft’s chief executive, said in an online presentation Tuesday morning. “We are removing restrictions on your equipment, as well as restrictions on how and where you work.”
Windows 365, launched last year, transfers Microsoft’s operating system to any device, including Mac, iPad, Linux and Android. It targets commercial customers, with prices ranging from $31 to $66 per user per month.
This is part of a broader effort to keep windows relevant in the era of cloud services. Some of Microsoft’s businesses have turned to cloud computing and subscription based pricing earlier, including office 365 and azure cloud platforms, which have achieved significant growth. The growth of the windows division lags behind Microsoft’s cloud services.
Microsoft also announced a series of windows security, accessibility and it management functions, including the company’s ability to send customized “organization information” to users on the desktop, lock screen or taskbar of windows 11 computers.
The reaction of employees to this concept remains to be seen. Wangui McKelvey, general manager of Microsoft 365, explained in a post about this new feature that his idea is to “share useful information or reminders of important training with new employees, otherwise this information may be lost in e-mail.”.
Panos Panay, chief product officer of Microsoft, gives a full rundown of the new Windows features in this post..