Can Windows 10 Cloud be offered completely free?

[scot]

Windows 10 Cloud Will Support Upgrades to Windows 10 Pro
Could Windows 10 Cloud be offered completely free?

Windows 10 Cloud ISOs got leaked to the web a couple of days ago, so it’s only a matter of time until Microsoft itself acknowledges this version of the operating system and provides us with more information on its features and purpose.

But in the meantime, more information emerges through unofficial channels, and one such report indicates that Windows 10 Cloud would support upgrades to the full version of Windows 10.

First and foremost, some background. If the information that reached the web lately is accurate, Windows 10 Cloud might be an operating system allowing Windows Store apps exclusively, which means that users won’t be allowed to install Win32 software.

If this true, then Windows 10 Cloud could be very similar in purpose with Windows RT, the operating system that Microsoft debuted with the Surface RT in October 2012 when it also launched Windows 8.

Windows 10 Cloud free, jailbreak just a matter of time

There’s a new report, however, which reveals that Microsoft could make Windows 10 Cloud fully upgradeable to Windows 10 Pro, so even though the OS would be locked to Windows Store apps, purchasing the upgrade could make it possible to install Win32 software on the same device if supported.

If this is the case, it will probably be just a matter of time until a jailbreak is released to unleash the full capabilities of Windows 10 Cloud, thus making it possible for devices that come with the operating system to run Win32 software as well.

Microsoft could very well offer Windows 10 Cloud for free to OEMs who decide to install the operating system on their devices, with the company trying to shoot two birds with one stone: bring more devices running its latest operating system to the market and at the same time, give developers another reason to create universal apps, as they would be able to target a growing audience.

It's not yet clear when Microsoft plans to unveil Windows 10 Cloud, but the company could confirm work on this project in the coming weeks, ahead of a possible debut in April with the Creators Update.

Source: http://news.softpedia.com/news/windows-1...2622.shtml

[batman]

Sounds like a Chrome OS clone.

I don't know why anyone would choose it over Windows 10, which you can use for free without activating. The only caveat is that you cannot make any changes to the Personalization settings.


In the article's defense, it may be possible that Windows 10 Cloud be released for free. Windows 10 is completely free for OEMs to include on their devices, as long as the display is below 10 inches. This helps them cut the cost of the devices to make them more affordable.

So going by that logic, Windows 10 Cloud could be made free, but not for all devices perhaps.