Microsoft's dual-screen Surface 'Centaurus' might run Android apps

Microsoft'south dual-screen Surface 'Centaurus' might run Android apps

Centaurus also reportedly has 2 9-inch displays, a 4:3 aspect ratio and could come in early 2020

For some time, Microsoft has been working on a couple of experimental new devices codenamed 'Andromeda' and 'Centaurus,' ii potential folding Surface devices steeping in rumours and speculation.

While Andromeda has typically held the spotlight, Centaurus recently took the phase when London, U.Thousand.-based information provider IHS Markit told Forbes that the device could come in the first quarter or half of 2020.

IHS Markit cited supply chain data and also claimed that Centaurus would accept two 9-inch displays and a four:3 attribute ratio. However, the more intriguing detail from IHS Markit is that Centaurus would run Android apps.

According to IHS, the device would run Android apps as role of Windows Core Bone (WCOS), which Microsoft has been developing every bit the underpinnings for a lightweight, adaptable version of Windows to power dual-screen devices as well every bit massive screens like the Surface Hub 2S.

Specifically, Centaurus and other dual-screen devices, particularly those targeted as Chromebook competitors, would run something codenamed 'Windows Low-cal,' which appears to be a stripped-down version of Windows for dual-screen devices like Centaurus.

Unfortunately, adding support for Android apps to WCOS or Windows Lite seems an unlikely prospect, equally it would get contrary to a lot of Microsoft's other projects, peculiarly the struggling Universal Windows Platform (UWP). In that location'due south also the upshot of Microsoft needing to make its own Android app shop, too as convince developers to modify their apps to work without needing Google Play Services, which is no pocket-size feat.

On acme of this, IHS Markit says the new dual-screen Surface device volition use Intel's new 10nm processors and have LTE or 5G connectivity. According to The Verge, Microsoft and Intel have worked closely together on Centauraus, and the chip-maker is pushing manufacturers to create dual-screen hardware likewise.

Microsoft too teased Centaurus during an internal, employee-only event, suggesting piece of work on the device has progressed to the point that it could be shown publicly soon. Considering the company likes to concord Surface events in October, it's possible nosotros could run across Centaurus for the first time soon.

Source: Forbes Via: The Verge