With Microsoft already confirming that Windows 10 will be going on sale this summer, the software giant has suggested that Xiaomi’s frontrunner Mi 4 – powered by Android – will be able to run the mobile version of the Windows 10 OS very soon. Yes, you read that right, and if you’re as surprised as the rest of us here, head over the jump for further information on Microsoft’s plans.
Part of the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft has said that it’s partnering up with Xiaomi, and is ready to test Windows 10 with power users of the Mi 4 smartphone, which by default, is an Android powered device. As such, Xiaomi has suggested that the move isn’t exactly a partnership with Microsoft per say, and is more along the lines of providing assistance to the software giant in its bid. Microsoft intends to achieve this by providing a custom ROM that Mi 4 users will be able to flash on to their phones, of course this brings in that ‘power user’ scenario, where flashing a custom ROM to a phone is a big task of its own, something a new or novice user would likely stay away from.
There is no dual-boot option here, so users will essentially be replacing the Android OS with a Windows 10 based ROM to get a native experience on the Mi 4. Microsoft is apparently trying to test the market’s response to the OS, be it a relatively small pool of users. Microsoft said:
“This partnership will allow Xiaomi and Microsoft to get direct user feedback and continue to improve the experience for China. Microsoft is thrilled to see Xiaomi embracing Windows 10 and offering this great value to their customers. We’re excited to see the feedback we receive from this audience.”
There’s budding news that Microsoft is looking to expand this experimentation to other Android devices as well, but given the market penetration that Xiaomi currently enjoys in China, and an established user community which is quick on providing feedback on the company’s weekly software updates, Microsoft will be initiating this program with the Chinese phone maker to begin with.
What’s your take on the matter? Do you believe Microsoft is taking steps in the right direction with this move? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
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