Microsoft has revealed a new version of Windows 10 that is intended for schools and to compete with Google’s Chromebook (although this was not said at the launch event in New York). Although Microsoft has a good position in Europe, it has been hit by competition from Chromebooks in the US. The company also revealed a new Surface laptop, although this is not aimed at schools.
Microsoft announced the education version of Windows in New York
The Windows 10 S software will be free for teachers and students. The OS has been slimmed down and the main restriction is that it can run Windows Store Apps only. This means that apps will have been screened for security and performance and each runs in a ‘container’ that limits interaction with the system, making systems more reliable and easing login times. Unlike the previous Windows RT version, 10 S can run x86 software as long as it has been packaged for the Windows Store. An Intune feature will allow a system image to be configured with a wizard, copied to a USB key, then installed on a 10 S system in ‘under 30 seconds’.
Laptops for the new OS will cost from $189 and access to Office 365 for Education will be free for schools as well as Minecraft:Education Edition. The low cost laptops will come from PC makers and will have 1366 x 768 displays and 4GB of RAM/64GB of flash, but models will sell for up to $299.
Microsoft’s Surface laptop has a 3 megapixel 3:2 aspect display
The new Surface will start to sell from 15th June and cost from $999. Microsoft claims 14 hours battery life for the device, which weighs 1.25kg (2.76lb) – lighter than the Macbook Air. Microsoft said that it is aimed at students about to leave school. It has a 13.5″ display with 2256 x 1504 resolution (201ppi – 3:2 aspect) and has Intel Core i5/i7 CPUs, up to 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of SSD. The display is fitted with Gorilla Glass (no generation specified) and has 10 point touch, with an option for a Surface Pen. Graphics come from the Integrated Intel GPU. There is a mini-DisplayPort output for monitors, but surprisingly, no USB Type-C.
Analyst Comment
I assume that the Education version may also get a boost later in the year by new devices based on the Arm architecture. (BR)
