What could “the next generation of Windows” really mean?

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central

Earlier this week, Microsoft’s chief product officer, Panos Panay, launched a brief but mouth-watering tease that something big is on the way for Windows by referencing the next generation of Windows. Microsoft hasn’t used such terminology since the launch of Windows 10 in 2015, and that was because Windows 10 was a New operating system replacing the previous one, supported by a massive marketing campaign aimed at getting users to upgrade to the shiny new version of Windows.

Therefore, Panay referring to “the next generation of Windows” is a much bigger deal than you might think because it is terminology that Microsoft should want to avoid now that Windows 10 is the “latest version” of Windows. day as a service. You can’t have a The next generation Windows if Windows 10 is the latest version. So what is Panay referring to? Let’s put our thinking on.

Is it Sun Valley or Windows 10X?

I think this “new generation of Windows” refers to both Windows 10X and Microsoft’s upcoming Sun Valley update for Windows 10. On the Windows 10X side, things are self-explanatory. Windows 10X is built on a brand new modern kernel without all the bloat inherited from the “big” Windows, and can easily be categorized as the true new generation of Windows designed from the ground up with new user experiences and modern workflows in mind. But 10X is not yet ready for the mainstream markets.

On the flip side, the Windows desktop is still one of Microsoft’s biggest products, and that won’t change because Windows 10X is here. I can’t imagine a world where Windows 10X takes over as the “ consumer ” version of Windows for at least five years, and that’s generous. So Microsoft can’t ignore the best Windows desktop PCs, even if they wanted to.

This is where Sun Valley comes in. Microsoft itself has said it plans a “deep rejuvenation” of Windows, which will include a modern and consistent user interface design, new features, and make the Windows desktop something people will want to use again. Today, Windows 10 isn’t the prettiest software on the market, and it’s not the easiest to use. This often comes at the expense of Surface, which strives to build minimalist yet functional PC hardware.

I think Panay wants the big Windows to complement Surface hardware in a way that it just doesn’t at the moment, and that’s what Sun Valley is able to deliver. Of course, most of the improvements made to Windows with Sun Valley will be applicable to all PCs running Windows 10 today, but from Microsoft’s perspective, their hardware and software can finally ship as a united product that goes from peer.

A marketing strategy?

“Next Generation” is likely marketing terminology designed to entice customers to upgrade or purchase new PCs with Sun Valley or Windows 10X preinstalled later this year and into 2022. It’s wording that tells the world that Windows is back and still relevant, and fooling you into wanting a new PC.

This is not a bad thing, of course. It would be nothing but a good thing for Windows fans if Microsoft is considering the next big Windows 10 update worthy of the “next generation” moniker.

It wouldn’t make much sense to just call Windows 10X the “next generation” while simultaneously delivering this big update from Sun Valley for Windows 10 desktops. It would hurt Sun Valley and end up confusing. with customers. That’s why I think “next gen” refers to both Sun Valley and Windows 10X.

Existing Windows 10 PCs will likely always be updated for this The next generation just like previous versions of Windows 10, and Windows 10X will be what’s exclusive to newer PCs. I think Sun Valley will serve as a spiritual Windows 11, without the new name or license changes.

Overall, I think it’s a combination of Microsoft’s efforts with Windows 10X, as well as a huge push to put legacy Windows back into the limelight with a shiny new version designed to keep the operating system relevant in the world. a world ruled by mobile platforms. I’ll be surprised if this ends up being a new version of Windows with a new name that costs money to upgrade like it did the old days.

This is all speculation, of course. It’s fun to wonder, and I think it’s going to be super interesting to see what Panos Panay and his team have planned for Windows later this year. We’re starting to feel that Windows is important to Microsoft again, and that’s a good thing.

Also remember that the release of Windows 10 slated for the end of this year will be the first true version of Panos Panay’s operating system to ship under his leadership, so it’s no surprise to learn that he has big plans in store for the platform. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.