Windows 10X

On 2nd October 2019, Microsoft announced the new operating system, Windows 10X, in its Surface event.

Launched as a more modular version of the Windows 10 operating system, Windows 10X is not reported as a new version of 10, but rather as a variation for dual-screen hardware. The main objective of 10X is to use with touch screen devices such as tablets and smartphones.

Windows 10X Features

The biggest feature of the 10X is its dual display support, which allows two applications to run at the same time (if I remember correctly, the first company did this is Samsung with Note series smartphones). It also provides a different experience to the user as it can interact between these screens. In fact, the dual screen is a practice that has been used by people who have been using multiple monitors for a long time. Microsoft has now brought this vision to laptops and tablets.

Windows 10X is an Operating System Designed for Dual Display Hardwares (source: windows.com)

In addition, Microsoft explained that the system resources are used more efficiently in Windows 10X (as they always state in their new OS releases).

10X offers a start screen just like in 10. In this menu,there are the installed applications, recently used files, and search features as you are familiar with. It is possible to go back to the desktop with the Windows logo at the bottom of the screen.

Surface Neo

The first device to use the Windows 10X operating system was announced as Surface Neo. The Surface Neo is a laptop that basically combines two 9 inches touch screen displays with two hinges. Surface Neo with Intel processor can be used as a notebook with the Surface Pen. The externally mounted magnetic keyboard also offers a complete laptop experience.

Surface Neo Can Be Used As A Laptop With Magnetic Keyboard (source: microsoft.com)

The first hardware announced that will use Windows 10X operating system is Surface Neo. Other companies that will also produce such hardwares with dual screens are such as Asus, Lenovo, Dell and HP.

Will Existing PCs Work with Windows 10X?

Microsoft announced that 10X can be used on dual-screen devices such as Surface Neo. This means that this operating system cannot be used on existing PCs. In addition, 10X can be used only on devices with Intel processors. I think 10X can also be used (somehow) by plugging two screens into your existing equipment in the future.

Last Words

We will see more clearly how Microsoft’s vision of this new operating system and hardware will make a sound in summer 2020. I hope that 10X will not share similar fate with previous Microsoft hardware and initiatives (like Zune and Windows Mobile).