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Windows10Phone

The latest build of Windows 10 suggests Microsoft could be working on a new Windows 10 version or operating mode intended to shrink Windows 10's footprint and perchance move the Bone into new markets — including mobile. This new version of Windows is dubbed Windows 10 Lean, and its base install is 2GB smaller than Windows ten's typical footprint.

Over the last few years, Microsoft has made several attempts to launch into new product markets, with poor results. Commencement, in that location was Windows 10 Mobile, which was intended to shrink the gap between desktop and mobile operating systems to the point that you could seamlessly transfer work from one Os or device to the other. Concluding twelvemonth, MS announced Windows ten S — a locked-down version of mainstream Windows ten intended for education markets or as a secure device alternative for people who often detect themselves plagued with malware. Windows x Mobile died when Redmond decided to withdraw from the phone marketplace, while Windows x S will now be offered every bit an optional mode rather than a stand-lone product. Then where does Windows 10 Lean fit in?

Co-ordinate to Twitter user Lucan, who spotted the OS variant, Windows ten Lean (also referred to as Windows 10 CloudE), lacks sure capabilities. RegEdit, the registry editing programme, is missing and and then is the Microsoft Management Console. In that location are no wallpapers in Windows 10 Lean, but functions similar CMD and Reg work perfectly — which means the OS variant isn't subject to the same lockdown as a typical Windows 10 S installation. And equally Ars Technica notes, the latest build of Windows ten contains support for the telephony APIs required to support jail cell phone operations. That'south pregnant considering those APIs aren't included in the base Windows 10 installation — they're used in Windows 10 Mobile, only non included in the standard Os builds.

Does all of this mean Microsoft is planning to re-enter the phone concern? I'grand all the same dubious. On the one manus, Windows 10 Mobile was, by all accounts, a better operating organization than information technology got credit for. I've always felt as if the first iteration of Windows Mobile never deserved its market share, while the afterward iterations of Microsoft's mobile operating systems (Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile) were unfairly tarred with a worse reputation than they deserved. The platform still has some die-hard fans that would love to encounter Microsoft launch a top-tier phone.

Merely Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, hasn't left much reason to exist hopeful on this front end. As far every bit nosotros can tell, the Windows 10 Mobile team has been dismantled and Microsoft has stopped manufacturing devices. And therein lies the problem. Microsoft fought for years to build back up for Windows Phone in the face of Android and iOS. It partnered with other companies to build competitive flagship devices, and when that strategy didn't seem to be working, it pivoted towards lower-end devices at affordable toll points. Some of these devices reviewed quite well, with reviewers noting that they offered much snappier performance on lower-cease hardware than what you'd wait from the same SoC's running Android. Neither strategy helped Microsoft build market share and the company eventually quit.

Merely having dropped out of the market altogether, it would be an even heavier elevator for Microsoft to start over. Whatever Microsoft is building, nosotros'd exist surprised if it was only a conventional phone.