NEWS  Windows  November 16, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

In a strategic move, Microsoft has rolled out the Windows App, transcending the traditional boundaries of device compatibility. This revolutionary application caters to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Windows, and even web browsers, marking an unexpected shift in how users engage with the Windows operating system.

The Windows App consolidates various services, including Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Microsoft Dev Box, and Remote Desktop Services. Serving as a centralized hub, it enables users to seamlessly stream a copy of Windows from a remote PC. Notably, the app boasts support for multiple monitors, custom display resolutions, and device redirection for peripherals such as webcams, storage devices, and printers.

While the preview version of the Windows App excludes Android users for now, Microsoft hints at broader accessibility. Although currently confined to Microsoft's business accounts, signs suggest that it may soon extend its reach to consumers. The Windows App's sign-in prompt on Windows indicates potential integration with personal Microsoft Accounts, a feature yet to be activated.

Microsoft's venture into a dedicated "Windows App" is a departure from its longstanding remote connection apps, signaling potential broader aspirations. This innovative approach aligns with the company's overarching plan to transition Windows fully to the cloud. The Windows App could serve as a stepping stone for consumers to access cloud PCs and Windows applications on non-Microsoft operating systems.

The development of the Windows App coincides with the establishment of a new team within Microsoft, titled "Windows and Web Experiences." This team, formed after the departure of Panos Panay in September, focuses on integrating AI-powered web services into the Windows ecosystem. Notable features have already emerged in Windows 11, including a dynamically updating search interface, a widgets system, and Copilot integration, all driven by web-powered technologies.

In recent legal proceedings, Microsoft expressed its ambition to migrate Windows entirely to the cloud on the consumer front, a transition already underway with the introduction of Windows 365 for businesses. The Windows App stands as a potential catalyst for consumers to access cloud-based PCs and Windows applications on devices that do not run Microsoft's native operating system. As the tech giant continues to reshape the Windows experience, the Windows App may mark the beginning of a new era in cross-platform accessibility and cloud-centric computing.