Do you know what is Windows Core OS? It’s a totally new operating system that is suitable for all kinds of devices, which will be installed on new types of devices. You can get some information about the different versions of Windows Core OS.
Since its inception, Microsoft has added new features and user interface elements to Windows 95, Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 10. Now with the emergence of foldable phones, dual-screen PCs, and experimental forms, Microsoft is about to launch a new Windows operating system according to the rumor.
The new operating system, called Windows Core OS, is a single, general-purpose operating system that will work with a variety of devices – headsets, cell phones, collaborative displays, desktops, and so on.
Compared to Microsoft’s previous OneCore Windows 10 initiatives, this system will become lightweight and more unified or efficient.
What Is Windows Core OS?
According to the rumor that Windows Core OS won’t upgrade to Windows 10, and WCOS is a totally new operating system and is only designed to install on new types of devices. The devices include the rumored Surface Centaurus or Lenovo’s foldable OLED ThinkPad.
Besides, it may also be sold as a lightweight alternative for modern Windows 10 to PC manufacturers and consumers.
The operating system will be supported by C-Shell in order to help to share a common Core OS Windows experiences (such as the Start Menu) among different types of devices.
The goal is to make the Windows experiences adaptable to the device in real time – with an interface for any Windows device, and the same 12-inch Surface Pro can be switched from the desktop interface to a touch-friendly tablet interface.
According to Windows Central, Windows 10 and Core OS will be upgraded at the same time. However, Windows Core OS is designed for more lightweight use cases, such as Chromebooks and iPads; and Windows 10 will still be used for traditional laptops.
There are other things you need to pay attention to: Core OS may run classic.exe and Win32 programs and can be compatible with Android apps, and it is expected to speed up the Windows Update process while updating.
The Different Versions of Windows Core OS
According to reports, Windows Core OS will include 3 special versions: Santorini, Aruba, and Oasis. Microsoft showed Aruba and Oasis when revealing upcoming devices, but it didn’t mention the codenames of the operating system.
Each version is modular and is developed for a specific type of device, but they will share common components such as the Start menu.
Santorini is designed for new laptops and foldable devices in schools and homes around the world because it will be the most common version of Core OS. And it will have a new user interface and a central Start Menu similar to Chrome OS.
Aruba was finally shown during the Surface Hub 2X reveal. In other words, it seems to be more focused on collaborative displays. This version of Core OS has a user interface for office space and white-board, such as the inking experiences.
According to Windows Central’s Zac Bowden reports, Aruba also includes other features: a shared desktop space, inking on the lock screen, and a dynamical rotation screen to keep user interface elements in place while moving.
Oasis was released during the reveal of the HoloLens 2 during Mobile World Congress. It is suitable for Windows Mixed Reality devices and will bring new ways of holograms interactions, a holographic keyboard, and some beautiful scrolling and clicking experiences.
When Will Core OS Be Released?
Microsoft has demonstrated two devices running the Windows Core OS, but it hasn’t officially mentioned its operating system plan because it was a topic that was not raised during the company’s annual Build Developer Conference in May 2019. Thus, it’s difficult to tell when the Core OS will be released.
However, the company’s employees continue to update their LinkedIn profile to mention the project and provide some tips about the development process.
Through the Modern OS mentioned by Microsoft at the Computex keynote speech in Taiwan in May, it can be known that Core OS has already powered the HoloLens 2 and the Surface Hub 2X. Therefore, the new operation may soon come, perhaps in October during a Surface event.