Leaked Screenshots Reveal Microsoft’s Secret Windows 10 Cloud Edition

[Petrovic]

Evidence of a new Windows 10 version called “Cloud” was recently spotted in build 15019, and now it seems that work on this project advances at a fast pace, so the first screenshots got leaked today.

 

While we can’t tell for sure if these screenshots are legit or not, WBI says they show an early version of the upcoming Windows 10 Cloud edition that could see daylight later this year, possibly when the Creators Update is pushed to stable users as well.

 

And yet, it’s better to take them with a certain amount of skepticism, at least until we get more information that Windows 10 Cloud is indeed is coming.

 

If these screenshots are real…
At first glance, there’s not much to see in these screenshots, but if you look closer, they do confirm some of the rumors we’ve heard about recently regarding Windows 10 Cloud.

 

The first screenshot shows an error message displayed to the user when attempting to launch a Win32 app. For those unfamiliar with this error message, it’s the dialog that shows up on Windows RT whenever users attempt to run unsupported Win32 apps. And this does nothing more than to confirm that Windows 10 Cloud is indeed likely to be based on the same approach as Windows RT and focus exclusively on Store apps, in this case universal apps.

 

 

The second screenshot shows universal apps running on Windows 10 Cloud, but there’s also a hidden message here too.

 

 

The UWP version of Evernote is actually part of Project Centennial, so it’s a Win32 app ported to the Store with Microsoft’s own bridges. So the goal is clearly for Windows 10 Cloud to take advantage of the UWP push and run exclusively apps published in the Store.

 

As you can see, these screenshots include a “Windows 10 Pro” watermark, but there are references for Windows 10 Cloud in the registry anyway. In the end, however, taking them with a pinch of salt is just safer, although all signs indeed seem to show they’re legit.

Article source

 

[sri]

That is Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 15019.

[mymiabear]

Seriously, if this is the future of windows, after 30 years I go to Mac or don't go forward at all. 

[D1v1n3D]

1 hour ago, mymiabear said:

Seriously, if this is the future of windows, after 30 years I go to Mac or don't go forward at all. 

mac is doing the same thing you best go Linux

[Jogs]

Then I should throw away my computer completely, better fry it.

[jdawg334]

Well think of it this way... Its no different than the Android play store or the Iphone app store. This gives Microsoft more control to keep our devices safer from malware and hacking like Google and Apple does already. Its a good thing IMHO and way overdue! Safety 1st

[dezsez]

Its the future and way forward,It can't come quick enough.

[steven36]

10 hours ago, D1v1n3D said:

mac is doing the same thing you best go Linux

 Well at lest you can lock down updates and keep what version you already have .. Sooner or latter people  with old hardware there going install a version that dont work anymore and Linux is the same way many have ran into this  with Ubuntu  16 x    the drivers want boot then into  Ubuntu  after 2019  any old AMD  hardware want be supported on Ubuntu . if this was too happen it would  kill Windows updates people would no longer update , so i think it is fake news .

[steven36]

 

Quote

 

Epic CEO calls rumored Windows Cloud OS 'Windows 10 Crush Steam Edition'

 

By Ian Paul

 

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney makes no secret of his distrust of Microsoft in this brave new era of Windows 10. In early March 2016, he said the Windows Store was meant to lock down the consumer PC ecosystem and monopolize PC software. In July, Sweeney took that view even further saying that Microsoft would surreptitiously introduce bugs targeting Valve’s Steam platform, and just wait for users to turn to the Windows Store as an alternative.

 

Now Sweeney has a new target: the recently uncovered Windows Cloud. As Sweeney sees it, Microsoft’s plan with Windows Cloud is to “crush Steam.” At least that’s what he said on Twitter recently.

 

Microsoft has yet to discuss Windows Cloud, but ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley reports that this version of Windows will be designed to only run Windows Store apps. Much like the original (and now-dead) Windows RT variant of Windows 8, traditional Win32 desktop programs are out. Given Sweeney’s previous arguments you can see why a Windows Store-only version of Windows would get him fired up.

 

 

We’re only basing this off a tweet and not a fully fleshed out argument. That said, it’s fair to assume this is an extension of Sweeney’s previous concerns—which means he’s probably wrong.

There are a number of reasons why Microsoft might want to create a stripped-down, dead simple Windows Cloud OS. The most likely reason is to take on Google's Chromebooks, especially in the education and enterprise markets where Chrome OS has a strong foothold thanks to affordable pricing, straightforward design, and low IT maintenance needs. Microsoft actively rolled out new initiatives to counter Chromebooks just last week.

 

If that’s the case then Windows Cloud laptops won’t be capable of running PC games. The appeal of Chromebooks is that they run a simplified OS on low-powered hardware. Halo: Spartan Assault? Yes. Gears of Wars 4 or Resident Evil 7? No. 

Tim Sweeney thinks Microsoft is trying to put the screws to Steam, but Chromebooks are the real target.

Microsoft clearly wants Windows Store apps (also known as Universal Windows Platform apps) to be the future of its PC platform, so Sweeney's right that there is some concern that Microsoft could one day wield more power than it already does over the PC software ecosystem. We’ve already seen some evidence of Microsoft being overbearing with Windows Store marketing, as Paul Thurrott previously discussed.

 

But universal Windows platform apps are nowhere near as robust as Win32 apps yet, which means we’re talking about a potential situation that’s still a few years out—if it happens at all. Microsoft also currently allows sideloading of UWP apps, which means Valve could create a UWP-based Steam in the future if it had to. And yes, turning on the ability to sideload apps is a power user move, but PC gamers are nothing if not power users.

 

 

Is Sweeney’s imagined future of a Microsoft-dominated future for PC gaming possible? Sure. Is it likely? I’m still not buying it.

 

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http://www.pcworld.com/article/3164140/windows/epic-ceo-calls-rumored-windows-cloud-os-windows-10-crush-steam-edition.html

 

[pc71520]

12 hours ago, Petrovic said:

If these screenshots are real…

[steven36]

 

Quote

 

Microsoft's coming Windows 10 Cloud release may have nothing to do with the cloud

By Mary Jo Foley

A new edition of Windows 10, known currently as 'Windows 10 Cloud' may have little (if anything) to do with the cloud, but more to do with Chromebook competition.

 

Windows sleuths have discovered mention of a so-far unannounced new version of Windows 10 inside some of the recent Insider test builds.

 

This new edition, currently known as "Windows Cloud," is listed alongside other existing Windows 10 editions inside builds as far back as Windows 10 software development kit 15003, as noted by "The Walking Cat" on Twitter. There are listings for both Cloud and CloudN (for the version without Media Player pre-installed, as noted by Brad Sams on Petri.com) inside recent Insider test builds.

 

So what, exactly, is Windows Cloud? A version of Windows 10 streamed from Azure? Another new Windows 10 subscription plan, in the vein of Windows 10 Enterprise E3/E5? The dreaded (and still nonexistent) Windows 365?

 

None of the above, my sources say.

 

Windows 10 Cloud is a simplifed version of Windows 10 that will be able to run only Unified Windows Platform (UWP) apps installed from the Windows Store, my contacts say. Think of it as being similar to the version of Windows 10 formerly known as Windows RT or the Windows 8.1 with Bing SKU.

 

Windows 10 Cloud is meant to help Microsoft in its ongoing campaign to attempt to thwart Chromebooks with a simpler, safer, cheaper version of Windows 10, my contacts say, though Microsoft is unlikely to position it that way (publicly).

 

Windows 10 Cloud seemingly has little or nothing to do with the cloud, however, from what my sources are saying I guess the reason Microsoft chose that name is because the company is supposed to be all about "cloud first" these days? Or maybe the Cloud moniker is meant to indicate that this is Microsoft's competitor to Chrome OS/Chromebooks? Or maybe Microsoft intends to claim that Cortana/machine learning in this version makes it a "cloud" OS? Got me....

 

I reached out to Microsoft to see if the company would share more about Windows 10 Cloud. No word back so far.

 

 

Update: "We have nothing to share," said a Microsoft spokesperson.

 

The Windows 8.1 with Bing edition of Windows -- which was available as an OEM preload only and not for purchase by consumers -- set Bing as the default search engine (though users were allowed to change it). In exchange for that, PC makers got this version of Windows 8.1 for free or a substantially reduced rate from Microsoft.

Windows RT, the version of Windows 10 that powered Surface RT, Surface 2, and third-party ARM-based Windows PCs and tablets, and other devices, could only run a subset of applications built specifically for RT (and not all Universal Windows apps). These apps were available only from the Windows Store and could not be downloaded outside the Store.

 

Given that references to Windows 10 Cloud are showing up now in Windows 10 Creators Update test builds, I'd guess Microsoft will debut this new edition of Windows 10 on or around April 2017, when sources say the company will begin rolling out the Creators Update to mainstream users.

 

http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsofts-coming-windows-10-cloud-release-may-have-nothing-to-do-with-the-cloud/

 

[Karlston]

Woody's take...

Windows Cloud – on beyond Windows 10?

 

 

Günter Born has a very interesting post up this morning. He got his hands on a copy of Windows Cloud (possibly named “Windows 10 Cloud”?) and posted numerous screenshots.

 

Brad Sams at petri.com and Mary Jo Foley at ZDNet have discussions as well. They’re worth reading, but they are heavy on speculation and short on details.

 

It looks like Microsoft is creating a new, lighter version of Windows 10 that will go head-to-head with Chromebooks and ChromeOS. Based on warning messages inside the program, we know that Windows Cloud will only run programs from the Windows Store. And that’s about all we know.

 

As befits a leaked alpha, there are all sorts of problems. Born has a few details:

A freshly installed systems comes with desktop apps like Notepad, WordPad, Paint, Explorer and also Internet Explorer.

(IE? Yes! IE!)

Windows Cloud comes also with many well known apps from Windows 10, like Photos, Mail, Edge, Camera, Store, Maps, some apps to access Facebook, Twitter and other social networks. There is also a OneNote tile and a tile Get Office (Beta) – but I wasn’t able to launch the Get Office (Beta).

Martin Brinkmann at gHacks adds:

Some of these apps are first party applications or games, while others third-party applications. The selection includes Netflix, Facebook, Twitter, and on the games side Age of Empires Castle Siege, Asphalt 8, and Royal Revolt among others.

Most don’t appear to be installed though, but merely links to the application’s Windows Store entry.

That’s about it. By all accounts, even “Centennial” apps – the ones more-or-less automatically translated from Win32 to UWP – don’t work.

 

We don’t know if it’s for Intel architecture or ARM architecture machines, or both. We don’t know how the Store is going to change to accommodate the new version (it couldn’t get much worse, eh?). We don’t even know when WinCloud will appear, how Microsoft will “monetize” it, what kind of effect it’ll have on Windows 10.

 

But just about everybody agrees that the term “Cloud” is a red herring: It doesn’t appear to be any more “cloud”y that any other recent operating system. We’re looking at some sort of platform, likely based exclusively on WinRT, that at first glance has all of the appeal of Windows RT.

 

You remember Windows RT, yes? It’s the version of Windows that doesn’t run, you know, Windows. Microsoft’s multi-million-dollar Scroogled campaign warned us about Windows RT, although it was ostensibly directed at Google. That was just a few years ago.

 

Lipstick and personal trainer for a geriatric pig? Or a spry competitor for ChromeOS? Born took a look at the footprint, and found that WinCloud is three times as big as ChromeOS. Ooomph. He sums it up:

Why should I buy a cheap system with a restricted Windows 10 Cloud OS, instead of a system with Windows 10 that is able to run also Win32 desktop apps? … The history of Windows RT shows that people don’t like restricted editions of a product, if they can have a fully functional edition. And if a user decided to buy a cheap system, why not a Chromebook with Chrome OS? There are a ton of apps and Chrome OS comes with a much smaller foot print.

It’s going to be interesting.

 

Source: Windows Cloud – on beyond Windows 10? (AskWoody)

[Karlston]

10 hours ago, jdawg334 said:

Its no different than the Android play store or the Iphone app store.

 

Except that the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store are popular.

 

10 hours ago, jdawg334 said:

This gives Microsoft more control to keep our devices safer from malware and hacking like Google and Apple does already.

 

The biggest threat to Windows 10 stability is no longer malware, it's Microsoft and their dodgy bug-ridden forced "updates" and "upgrades".

 

History shows that their internal QA is poor at best, and their experiment of using Windows Insiders for QA is a failure. Something had to give when they throw almost all of their development resources at their new-features-uber-alles obsession.

[edwardecl]

14 hours ago, jdawg334 said:

Well think of it this way... Its no different than the Android play store or the Iphone app store. This gives Microsoft more control to keep our devices safer from malware and hacking like Google and Apple does already. Its a good thing IMHO and way overdue! Safety 1st

I agree with the iPhone... But android is not locked down like iPhones, you can install apps for anywhere you like and install other stores, for example you may use amazon's one if you like, or install stuff from the web browser, not the same thing.

[steven36]

Soon even the USA will get cheap Android phones so Apple can kiss it's market share goodbye the only reason IOS still does good in some countries  is phones are not cheap yet. They will become a niche market like MAC.

http://www.theverge.com/2017/1/17/14305288/google-android-one-us-low-cost-report

Also it was already been predicted that the masses will end up on cloud computers one day  and the only traditional Desktop left will be Linux and i'm all for them to force people too use Windows store , That means software Devs and Game Devs will switch over  too the  Linux platform .Linux cant be controlled  certain Distros  can be by who ever makes  it  but you can just switch Distros  are  make you're own if its not too you're liking .. Linux just needs more Devs on board  is all. Windows 10 is over a year old  and still no non Microsoft DEV has made a Game for DX 12  lol

 

 

[Karlston]

Some more from Woody...

Win32 versus WinRT – and why you should care

Reading through the discussion of Windows Cloud (also known as Windows 10 Cloud), the newly leaked future-future version of Windows, it struck me that many of you don’t know the difference between the Win32 API and the WinRT API – or even what an “API” is, and why it should matter if all you want to do is use, you know, a computer.

 

Here’s a short primer.

 

About a year ago I wrote about the Win32 application programming interface, WinRT, and how the two are shaking now. The short version:

Old-fashioned Windows programs — the ones you likely use every day, such as Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office — rely on the Win32 Application Programming Interface, the set of system calls that lets programs talk to the operating system. Charles Petzold wrote the first widely used book about the Win32 API in 1988. The Win32 API grew and morphed, reaching its pinnacle in Windows 7.

 

When Microsoft announced Windows 8, it also announced the new Windows Runtime, a set of APIs (commonly called WinRT) that truly revolutionized Windows programming. The “Metro” apps you may recall from Windows 8 and 8.1 are based on WinRT. I’ll gently sidestep the discussion of how Microsoft inexplicably built computers that would only run WinRT and instead move on to mobile.

 

WinRT was the great rallying cry for mobile computing — the nexus, at the time, of the mobile-first Windows world. It has all sorts of mobile-friendly capabilities, but relatively few developers have chosen to use it…

 

With Windows 10, Microsoft announced (and repeatedly renamed) its new Universal Windows Platform. UWP incorporates WinRT but goes beyond…  Thus WinRT got swallowed up by UWP — and a whole bunch of other stuff was thrown in to fill out UWP… All of the UWP programs are destined for the Windows Store — at least that’s what we’re supposed to expect.

Based on the leaked (and most assuredly not released) Windows Cloud version that’s making the rounds, it’s clear that Windows Cloud will only run programs from the Windows Store. But it isn’t clear if WinCloud will run Win32 apps in the Windows Store. If it only runs WinRT apps from the Windows Store, then we have a regurgitation (perhaps an advanced regurgitation) of Windows RT, the ill-fated version of Windows that isn’t really Windows.

 

Given the current state of the Windows Store, it’s hard to imagine any near-term use for an operating system that’s tied inextricably to the Windows Store – particularly if it’s exclusively tied to “Universal” (formerly Metro) apps in the Windows Store.

 

Source: Win32 versus WinRT – and why you should care (AskWoody)

[steven36]

 

Quote

 

We tried Windows 10 Cloud, and it's not as restrictive as you think

 

 

Late last week, a leaked build of Windows 10 Cloud appeared on a Russian file hosting service. Potential users could download and install the build using a valid Windows 10 key. This is a slightly controversial unannounced version of Windows 10 slated to arrive later this year to compete against Google’s Chrome OS platform installed on Chromebooks. Curious, we downloaded the ISO file and installed the build on a virtual machine to see what the fuss was all about.

 

 

For starters, this specific leaked build will install Windows 10 Starter, Windows 10 Cloud, Windows 10 Professional Single Language, Windows 10 Enterprise G, or Windows 10 Enterprise Eval. We obviously chose the Windows 10 Cloud option, which installed Build 15025.rs_prerelease.170127-1750. The build number located at the bottom-right corner of the screen listed the platform as Windows 10 Pro Insider Preview.

 

The big stink regarding recent reports about Windows 10 Cloud is that it locks users to the Windows Store. That means users supposedly can’t install traditional (Win32) desktop programs like they would on a typical Windows 10 desktop or laptop. The reason for this “lock down” is to protect customers and devices from potentially harmful programs.

 

 

“The app you’re trying to run isn’t designed for this version of Windows,” a warning popup states when trying to install a desktop program on Windows 10 Cloud. “This version of Windows was made to help protect you and your device by exclusively running Windows Store apps.”

Not as restrictive as it seems?

Indeed, when we tried to install Steam on the Windows 10 Cloud virtual machine, that’s the error we received. But before everyone starts gathering in front of Microsoft’s front door with pitchforks and torches, there’s a little detail previous reports neglected to mention: Windows 10 Cloud is not locked to the Windows Store.

 

 

Here’s why. The Settings app in this build of Windows 10 is a little different than what we see on current Anniversary Update machines. It now includes new “Apps” and “Games” subcategories, the former of which contains settings that were originally listed in the “System” subcategory: Apps and features, Default apps, Offline maps, and Apps for websites.

 

 

Thus, when users go into Settings > Apps > Apps & features, the first setting they will see defines where users can purchase apps. There are two settings: Allow apps from the Store only, and Allow apps from anywhere. Did you catch that? Windows 10 Cloud will allow users to install apps from outside the Windows Store.

 

 

In this specific build, the option to install apps from outside the Windows Store wouldn’t “stick,” meaning no matter how many times we selected this option, Windows 10 Cloud kept us locked to the Windows Store. This may only be a temporary thing as Microsoft works to implement non-Windows Store support into Windows 10 Cloud.

Another previous report suggested that Windows Store apps that were converted from desktop programs wouldn’t run on Windows 10 Cloud due to their “Win32” desktop-based roots. That’s not entirely accurate, although running converted apps could be problematic for now.

 

 

For example, EdgeTile is an app offered in the Windows Store that was converted using Microsoft’s Desktop App Converter tool. The app was downloaded and installed, but Windows 10 threw up the rejection window when trying to run it. However, the app ran nonetheless, so it’s quite possible that Win32 programs, whether in desktop mode or app mode, will cause Windows 10 Cloud to activate the warning.

Ultimately, it’s clear there’s still some question as to how exactly Microsoft is going to treat applications outside of the Store. The rumored lock to the Store makes a certain amount of business sense, but could also cause a lot of ill-will and confusion. The leaked build suggests that Windows 10 Cloud will operate not all that differently from MacOS. It already warns users against apps from “unidentified” developers, but users can bypass that and install what they want.

This looks familiar

Outside the whole app lockdown issue, this build of Windows 10 doesn’t look all that different than Anniversary Update machines. The context menu is still present when right-clicking on the Start Button — a bit strange,  given this version of Windows 10 aims to be “lightweight.” In fact, we had a hard time finding any significant missing pieces.

 

 

The only change we saw with the context menu is that the Control Panel link was replaced with the Settings app, the Command Prompt was renamed to Windows PowerShell, and the Programs and Features link was replaced by an Apps and Features link taking users to the Settings app.

 

 

Again, the Settings app is slightly different, with two new categories. As promised, Microsoft has added the “Gaming” section for tweaking the settings for the Game Bar, Game DVR, Broadcasting, and Game Mode. This latter option is switched off by default, and according to Microsoft, this feature “ensures you play your games with the best possible experience.” This is not a Windows 10 Cloud exclusive feature, but rather an upcoming addition for all versions of Windows.

As for the new Apps subcategory in the Settings app, here is what users will find:

 

 

Additionally, the “System” subcategory includes a Shared Experiences section. The description states that users can “open apps on other devices, send messages between them, and invite others to use apps with me.” Users can also access the Control Panel by going through Cortana, or through the Programs and Features link inside the Settings app.

 

 

One other small feature we noticed was that File Explorer was removed from the Start Menu side bar. This may simply be a Creators Update thing, and eliminates an unnecessary shortcut given that Windows 10 already supplies one on the Task Bar.

Minor changes make sense

The bottom line here is that, based on this specific build, Windows 10 Cloud doesn’t look much different than Windows 10 Pro. That doesn’t mean it won’t change, of course. This is a leaked build, so there’s all manner of possible complications. Perhaps this is what Windows 10 Cloud will look like — or perhaps Microsoft will remove features later in development.

Having said that, we speculate the final version of Windows 10 Cloud won’t look all that different. Why? Developing an OS takes a lot of work, and Microsoft doesn’t make a lot of money from Windows 10 on consumer devices. We don’t think it’d make sense for the company to develop a substantially different version for low-cost systems. A slight re-arranging of what’s already in Windows 10 makes more sense, and that’s exactly what we see in this leaked copy of Windows 10 Cloud.

Ultimately, Windows 10 Cloud may be similar to Microsoft’s former Windows 8 with Bing program, which was a full version of Windows 8 that has Bing set as the default search engine. It was free for OEMs to install on their devices, and users could simply change the default setting if they wanted to use Google or Yahoo.

Still, the Win32 error popup is curious, and something we will have to watch over the coming months. Windows 10 Cloud is expected to arrive later this year, and will probably make an appearance during the company’s BUILD conference in May.

 

By Kevin Parrish

http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/windows-10-cloud-allows-external-app-installs/

 

 

[Karlston]

Yet more from Woody...

An unexpected update on Windows 10 Cloud

Kevin Parrish at Digital Trends kicked Windows 10 Cloud around a bit, and came up with some surprising discoveries.

 

WinCloud, you may recall, is the internal name of the supposed “next” version of Windows. It was leaked on a Russian site over the weekend, and took the Windows blogosphere by storm, with lots and lots of contradictory rumors and guesses.

 

Microsoft’s mum, of course, so we don’t have anything but an obviously pre-pre-release version of Windows 10 that runs on Intel machines.

 

Parrish found a half-dozen features/settings that merit consideration, including the ability to install apps from anywhere (not just the Windows Store), and a test run of a converted Win32 app. There’s a list of very small differences between the current Win10 beta (15025) and this Windows Cloud beta. (One of the differences listed isn’t, in fact, a difference: Windows PowerShell will replace Command Prompt in the 1703 Power Menu.)

 

If you’re curious about the way Windows may be headed late this year, take a look.

 

UPDATE: WalkingCat, @h0x0d on Twitter, has just tweeted a retraction of sorts. It seems that the ability to restrict apps to Windows Store only is present in all editions of 1703. I can confirm that the setting is on my plain-vanilla copies of Win10 beta 15025.

 

Where does that leave us? With a functional test run of a Desktop App Converter/project Centennial-converted app – and a Cloud version that’s more enigmatic than ever.

 

ANOTHER UPDATE: Interesting conjecture on Twitter about Win10 Cloud’s positioning in the market.

 

Source: An unexpected update on Windows 10 Cloud (AskWoody)

[WALLONN7]

Quote

Can't stop, won't stop: Tim Sweeney renews attack on Windows 10 Cloud, calling it ransomware

 

 

Going back almost a year, Epic Games co-founder Tim Sweeney has been on the attack against Windows 10. He called it a walled garden, and a few months later, he formulated a theory that Microsoft will gradually update Windows to break Steam over the course of five years.

Sweeney's latest target has been Windows 10 Cloud, a version of Windows that Microsoft hasn't even announced yet. The OS will only run apps that come from the Windows Store, which means that Win32 games from Steam won't work.

A week ago, Sweeney took to Twitter to call it 'Windows 10 Crush Steam Edition'. He hasn't stopped tweeting about it since then. Here are some highlights:

    Update: Windows Cloud will steal your Steam PC game library and ransom it back to you...for a price. Source: https://t.co/Wc8xihRaCo
    — Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) February 4, 2017

    Want to buy software from someone other than Microsoft? They will make you pay for the privilege. Disgusting and ILLEGAL!
    — Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) February 4, 2017

That was from a few days ago, but it's worth noting that the idea that you can only get apps from Microsoft is a conspiracy theory. As mentioned above, Windows 10 Cloud hasn't even been announced, so nothing is for sure yet; however, from the build that leaked last week, it appears that users will still be able to sideload UWP apps, or buy them elsewhere.

In other words, it's Win32 apps that are blocked, and not necessarily the ability to install apps from outside of the Windows Store.

But today, Sweeney continued, calling Windows 10 Cloud 'ransomware':

    Windows Cloud is ransomware: It locks out Windows software you previously bought and makes you pay to unlock it by upgrading to Windows Pro.
    — Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) February 7, 2017

    Firefox blocked. Google Chrome blocked. Google search blocked as web browser search option.

    OpenGL, Vulcan, OpenVR, Oculus VR blocked.
    — Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) February 7, 2017

Calling the OS ransomware is, as usual for Sweeney, hyperbolic. It's not like you're going to go and update your Windows 10 PC and end up with Windows 10 Cloud and no access to the apps that you've been using. This is something that you'll get on a new PC, and likely one that sits on the lower end, so you're probably not thinking about heavy-duty PC gaming anyway.

At this point, Windows 10 Cloud seems like it will be an OS that's free for OEMs to license, and if an individual wants more functionality from their new PC, they can purchase the license themselves. Sweeney's argument seems to imply that the OS will somehow be forced upon users.

 

Source

 

Is he crazy?! I do not think so...