Recently, there has been a widespread interest within the computing world over the upcoming version of Microsoft Windows 10, which is said to have many of its original legacy components and features removed.
Built on Windows Core OS (WCOS) and given the codename Polaris, the new Windows 10 is set to ditch the legacy features available in its predecessor, while offering users a lightweight operating system with more superior performance, including what many users would appreciate - a stronger battery life.
The WCOS is said to feature CShell, which is a universal shell that can be applied across a range of devices. The OS will be applied to devices with a more traditional form factor – these include desktops, laptops, and two-in-one computers. The Polaris composer will also provide users with a traditional desktop environment with which they are already familiar.
According to Windows Central, Microsoft is focused on eliminating the Windows Shell for the current Windows system. Furthermore, features such as Paint and Notepad will be ditched in Polaris. Instead, new features including the UWP-first experience previously available on Windows 10 Mobile will be made available to users.
Although there were some previous hiccups on Windows 10 Mobile, Microsoft remains invested in certain ideas used in the ‘failed’ OS, which will be carried over and applied more successfully to Polaris. By eliminating some legacy features, users will be able to enjoy better overall performance of lower-end devices with Polaris as the operating system.
Nevertheless, Microsoft will not be able to completely eliminate all Win32 components from the new WCOS. There is also currently insufficient information to determine which features will be retained or ditched in the new Windows 10. Rumours mention that the company may be investing in local and remote virtualisation by applying RAIL.
It is also worth mentioning one possible major downside to Polaris – users will not be allowed to run Win32 programs natively. However, Microsoft has plans to employ virtualisation and apply Centennial Win32 app to Polaris, resulting in a modern and lightweight Windows system. This offers a big advantage of not requiring users to carry over the necessary components for running native files, but still offering them full capability of running Win32 programs.
Polaris is not designed for power users or gamers – instead, it will be more suitable for users who own devices such as the Chromebook or Surface Laptop, and those who do not require resource-heavy processes.
In a nutshell, Polaris is said to be a fresh look on Windows 10 instead of just the next iteration of Windows. Users will not be provided with a direct upgrade path from a current version of Windows 10 to this new system. Those who wish to get Polaris on their current devices may be required to purchase the latest devices which comes with the new operating system. Word is out that Polaris is targeted to be launched sometime in 2019. It is very likely that the current version of Windows 10 will still be available after that.
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