Microsoft's stripped-down 'Windows 10 Cloud' could be a ChromeOS alternative in the making

Microsoft will attempt to take on Google’s ChromeOS with a stripped down, cloud-first OS of its own.

The references to a Windows 10 Cloud and Windows 10 Cloud N edition of Windows were first spotted by members of the Windows Insider Program a few days ago.

ZDNet’s Marey Jo Foley took up the case with her sources and found that Windows 10 Cloud is a stripped-down version of Windows that will only work with UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps.

UWP is Microsoft’s attempt at building a cross-platform app store. The store itself is similar in concept to the App Store or the Play Store, but apps developed for the platform are supposed to be compatible with Windows 10, Windows 10 Mobile and Xbox One.

If you remember Windows RT, that ill-fated OS was based on a similar concept but its app-compatibility was even more limited. Windows RT required apps that were specifically developed for the ARM platform, which severely restricted development.

Windows 10 Cloud might change that as UWP is more powerful and flexible than the system used in RT. UWP apps are also more numerous.

Chromebooks are devices that run Google’s ChromeOS, an OS based on Google’s Chrome browser. ChromeOS was originally designed as an online-only OS, but it’s features were later expanded to include support for offline apps, and more recently, Android apps.

Chromebooks have reportedly eaten heavily into the laptop and tablet market. They’re also making headway in schools.

Windows 10 Cloud is to be Microsoft’s second attempt at building a cheap, light OS. The reference to the cloud has Foley stumped as her sources could not give clarity on the reference. Your guess is as good as ours on this front.

We expect that the ‘Cloud’ reference has been added so people will associate the device with online services, as happens with ChromeOS.