Report: Microsoft working on Google Chrome OS competitor called ‘Windows Lite’

HIGHLIGHTS

•     Microsoft Windows might soon get a ‘Lite’ version
•     Windows Lite’ is said to be made for dual-screen and Chromebook-like devices
•     The upcoming OS version is said to be the stripped-out version of the original OS 
•     Microsoft is planning to combine smartphones with improved Mixed Reality (MR)

Microsoft Windows, one of the most widely-used PC operating systems in the world, might soon get a ‘Lite’ version. The OS version that is being tipped as ‘Windows Lite’ is told to be made for dual-screen and Chromebook-like devices.  The upcoming OS version is assumed to be the stripped-out version of the original OS as an alternative of a totally new OS. 

Even though there is no verification on this from Microsoft, the report says that the upcoming OS could launch as early as this year. Anyhow, much of it depends on when the OEMs and chipmakers are ready for it. 

The new OS version based on design could be similar to the Windows that one uses at today’s date. But it will be rather a mix of how Microsoft uses its Surface Hub with multiple screens along with Windows Phone Continuum interface.

According to the report, Microsoft is also planning to combine smartphones with improved Mixed Reality (MR), a new patent filed by the company indicates. 

On the other hand, Microsoft could be working on making Windows Lite useful for dual screen devices initially; its aim looks to be contradicting the potential rival – Google's Chrome OS. This also means that Microsoft could bring this into its Surface laptops and counter the Chromebooks.

It has been reported that Microsoft may not label the OS as ‘Windows Lite’ by the time it actually launches as of now it is said to be an internal codename.  The Redmond-based tech firm might drop some clues on the ‘Lite’ version in early May this year when it will be holding its Build developer’s conference in Seattle, US.

On a related note, in the month of January Microsoft was reportedly testing separating Search from Cortana in Windows 10. The change was announced as a part of Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 18317.  The blog post read, “Going forward, we’ll be decoupling Search and Cortana in the taskbar. This will enable each experience to innovate independently to best serve their target audiences and use cases.”