Windows Core OS - an open-source operating system platform to beat AOSP.

Question

As you know, Windows 10 is a "service", meaning that it is a version that will evolve overtime non-stop. It will receive feature updates semi-annually. Mainstream Support ends on 2020, while Extended Support ends on 2025.

So we need a new version of Windows that will remain supported forever. And the first one to be "open-source".

Recently, Microsoft has begun developing a next-generation Windows Platform, namely "Windows Core OS". This platform is like the Android Open-Source Project, which is the "bare-bones" for a proprietary Android operating system. Like the AOSP, Windows Core OS will not include any proprietary binary-blobs or software. Without those, the platform can be open-source.

Just to let you know, Windows Core OS is not for everyday users. It is for device manufacturers and developers to build custom Windows operating systems for their devices. This platform is "modular", meaning that a version of Windows can be tailored to a device's needs. To make a proprietary Windows operating system, you would have to inject proprietary binary-blobs and software into the source code.

Microsoft can still make proprietary editions of Windows, based on Windows Core OS. The "Home" edition could be proprietary freeware, while the "Pro" edition will be commercial software. The "Enterprise" edition will be subscription-based, and will be sold at volume licensing as usual.

With Microsoft's first open-source Windows platform, it could certainly beat AOSP, and could see device manufacturers give up Android on their devices.

Answer 1

From the perspective of a hardware manufacturer, if I already provide software support for Linux (and thus Android), why would I want to expend the effort to also support Windows Core?

If I want to support devices that can run Microsoft Office, or Windows games, then this makes sense. This is the traditional Windows/PC market. Outside the Windows/PC market, there is not the slightest chance this will seriously compete with Android or Linux. 

For Microsoft to do an open-source core is a reasonable step. The odds of displacing Linux at this late date is slim.

Answer 2

Wow. 

Very cool.

Answer 3

So is this just a wisher's dream?

Or is this something the Powers That Be at Microsoft corporate is actually considering or actively developing.

Because at this point in time they appear to be blind to the current state of affairs in Windows land.

Answer 4

From the perspective of a hardware manufacturer, if I already provide software support for Linux (and thus Android), why would I want to expend the effort to also support Windows Core?

If I want to support devices that can run Microsoft Office, or Windows games, then this makes sense. This is the traditional Windows/PC market. Outside the Windows/PC market, there is not the slightest chance this will seriously compete with Android or Linux. 

For Microsoft to do an open-source core is a reasonable step. The odds of displacing Linux at this late date is slim.

Preston,

Your premise is very narrow minded if you think about it. Microsoft's Core OS is more than a conduit to Office Suite, but rather an alternative that would enable existing Microsoft development shops to enter a market dominated by AOSP. It is more about competition and less about increasing market shares for MS Office. To suggest otherwise demonstrates an egregious lack of confidence in the Microsoft developer community.

Answer 5

So is this just a wisher's dream?

Or is this something the Powers That Be at Microsoft corporate is actually considering or actively developing.

Because at this point in time they appear to be blind to the current state of affairs in Windows land.

Q-U-I-G-M-O,

I agree with you whole heartedly.  Microsoft needs to stop testing the waters and just jump in.  What they did with their Windows Mobile OS stands as a testimony to their wish washy attitude and lack of respect for their customer's investments into their platforms.