They also announced – Microsoft’s intention to integrate Cloud PCs directly into Windows 11. Three features coming – first, Windows 365 Boot, which allows Windows 11 devices to log into a Cloud PC instance at startup. The second is Windows 65 Switch, allowing switching between a local desktop and a Cloud PC. Microsoft is working on an offline feature too. Finally, Windows 11 is getting a native Windows 365 app. Power up your Cloud PC right from the Task Bar or Start menu.
Want your Azure VM to run on ARM? Well, it’s in preview now.
“We are now supporting Arm on Azure as well. This has been a long journey to bring up Ampere on Azure with Windows as the Root Host OS! we are also supporting Windows 11 Arm VMs in preview for developers!” tweeted Hari Pulapaka, the director of PM for Azure Host OS and the Windows OS platform. “FYI, all Windows developers who have been asking for VM support in Azure, it’s here now.”
Why do we care?
I broke these out because this is another set of trends.
Who would have thought chips would be interesting? Intel’s stumble has opened up a market again, with Apple making interesting decisions on its own and new ARM options creating new offerings. Chips are fascinating again.
Microsoft’s play on seamless integration between Cloud and Edge is clever and differentiated. It also plays to the reality of work, with personal and professional lines less distinct. This offering creates a line for the business yet provides flexibility for the end-user. Smart.