Microsoft wants dual-screen devices to power the next generation of Windows 10 hardware and today we’re learning a bit more about the Windows 10X operating system.
Today the company launched the Windows 10X emulator, which is designed to help developers get to grips with the software that will power the Surface Neo, Surface Duo and potentially an entirely new generation of book-like touchscreen devices.
The company says that all current Windows 10 apps will be functional on the new dual-screen platform in their current form, but it wants to encourage devs to give their apps some TLC in order to maximise the potential.
However, perhaps the most noteworthy reveal today is a consumer-facing feature that’ll ensure updating Windows 10X is pain free compared to bringing the main Windows 10 operating system up to date.
Related: Surface Pro X vs iPad Pro
According to Microsoft presentations at the 365 developer day, the entire update process for Windows 10X will take less than 90 seconds to complete.
Microsoft says it has developed a special state separation to ensure the downloading, rebooting and installation process is dramatically sped up. As The Verge reports, the OS, drivers and apps are separate within Windows 10X meaning it’ll be possible to quickly switch to a new version of the OS following a reboot.
Microsoft is hosting developer event throughout the day, its possible we’ll hear plenty more about the advantages Windows 10X will bring as the day goes on.
Microsoft unveiled the Surface Neo at a dedicated hardware event last autumn, alongside new iterations of some of its current Surface devices. The long-rumoured concept was debuted alongside the reveal of the Surface Duo, Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro X, Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Earbuds.
It is expected to officially launch towards the end of 2020, with Microsoft hoping it’ll do for touchscreen tablets what the Surface Pro did for 2-in-1 hybrid laptops.