Microsoft has unveiled the Windows 365 Link, its inaugural cloud PC gadget. The product provides a cost-effective and space-saving option for business users. Set to launch next year for $349, it requires a Windows 365 subscription that begins at $28 monthly.
The Windows 365 Link is a compact black device similar in size to Apple’s M1 Mac Mini but with a completely different function. Although the Mac Mini is a complete computer, the Windows 365 Link relies on cloud power, serving as a terminal for virtual machines operating in the cloud. This design enables Microsoft to present the Windows 365 Link as a cost-effective option for businesses, cutting down on the requirement for pricey hardware and enabling access to resources through an internet connection.
Microsoft’s bold move: Windows 365 Link redefines cloud computing for businesses
While details are not yet fully disclosed, early reports indicate that the gadget will include 8GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and an Intel processor whose details are not specified. However, since its main purpose depends on streaming Windows from cloud servers, the internal specifications are not as important as the user experience it provides.
The Windows 365 Link has various connectivity options, including a USB-C port, two USB-A ports, DisplayPort, HDMI, and Ethernet. It supports contemporary wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, improving users’ connectivity choices.
The Windows 365 Link’s main focus is security, utilizing a stripped-down operating system specifically created for fast and secure connections to Windows 365. Users can feel assured that all data stored in the cloud is encrypted, lowering the possibility of offline hacking or data theft. Nonetheless, this implies that the device’s features are closely dependent on a reliable internet connection – the absence of a connection results in a lack of access.
Microsoft’s head of Windows and Surface, Pavan Davuluri, stressed that the company plans to broaden its offerings as the Cloud PC environment develops. Collaborations with OEM partners are anticipated by 2025, which could result in a wider selection of Windows 365 Link devices from different manufacturers.
With the increasing popularity of cloud-based technology, the Windows 365 Link could be a strategic move to tap into a growing market. In a world where powerful hardware is sometimes excessive for simple tasks, a stylish, cloud-based terminal could be attractive to numerous companies wanting to simplify operations and reduce expenses.
Although the Windows 365 Link is priced just $250 lower than the Mac Mini M4‘s starting price of $599, it does not offer the same strong hardware features as the Apple device, which may not be attractive to users needing support for local applications. Nevertheless, companies prioritizing secure remote access and cloud computing could see the Windows 365 Link as a beneficial asset in their toolkit.
Images credit: Microsoft
