And, hardware.
Microsoft unveiled its new Windows 365 Link, a mini PC designed specifically for office environments, during the Ignite conference. This compact, fanless device, which costs around three hundred forty-nine dollars, connects employees to corporate cloud applications without the need for local storage. It supports video conferencing on up to two external monitors at four thousand resolution, making it suitable for remote work. The device features robust connectivity options, including two USB-A ports, HDMI, USB-C, an audio port, and Ethernet, all while being easy to set up and manage through Microsoft Intune. Windows 365 Link will be available to the general public in April 2025, with a preview program open now for select countries, including the United States and Canada.
Microsoft announced that it will bring the full capabilities of Windows 11 to the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S in December, starting with a public preview. This integration allows users to connect to a local or cloud instance of Windows in just seconds, providing a high-quality, multi-monitor workstation experience. The new functionality will also support 3D applications, thanks to Microsoft’s Volumetric Apps technology. Developers can register for an API to create plug-ins for both new and existing 3D Windows desktop applications. Microsoft has been working on integrating Windows content into Meta devices since 2022, previously launching Microsoft 365 features and Xbox Cloud Gaming on the Quest platform.
The Windows 365 Link creates opportunities for MSPs to offer endpoint modernization services, helping businesses transition to cloud-first environments with managed setup and ongoing support. At $349, the device is priced competitively for businesses aiming to reduce the lifecycle management costs of traditional PCs while maintaining productivity. Native integration with Microsoft Intune simplifies deployment and ongoing management, appealing to IT administrators responsible for scaling endpoint devices across large organizations. This feels like a natural fit for a significant segment.
Spatial computing isn’t dead; it’s figuring out its use cases. Microsoft is following up its move of discontinuing the Hololens by leaning into Meta’s offerings. Now we’ll see if anyone figures out what to do with these platforms.