Apart from revealing the Windows 10 release timeframe, Microsoft made another announcement in China on Tuesday that could have far-reaching consequences. The Windows-maker announced that it is working with China's Xiaomi to offer some customers a test version of Windows 10 to install on their Mi 4 smartphones.
The Redmond-based tech firm added in a statement that it would be helping select group of Xiaomi Mi 4 users "flash their phones with the new Windows 10 OS" on their handsets and let them "contribute to its future release later this year." These select "power users" will be using Windows 10 on their Mi 4 handsets and giving relevant feedback. The details of the programme are not yet known, but with Microsoft's use of the word flash, the company will probably be offering a ROM, similar to custom ROMs like CyanogenMod, to install on the Android smartphone.
Microsoft's delivery of Windows 10 ROM for Mi 4 users, however, is said to be with a software that helps "convert" an Android phone into a Windows 10 phone, complete with access to all Microsoft services, according to sources close to the matter cited by Techcrunch. The experience will be similar to how Cyanogen users operate and Microsoft is not looking at a dual-boot option, the report adds. Interestingly, the report goes on to say that Microsoft will soon be rolling this out to other devices.
It seems Microsoft sees this as a good way to attract Android users to Windows 10, without them needing to invest in new hardware. As the report notes, China is an ideal market for testing such an initiative, given the region's relative lack of lock-in to Google services and a general affinity towards custom ROMs.
By publicly agreeing to test Windows 10 on Android phones, Microsoft is clearing aiming to expand its reach in the mobile market. Microsoft in its statement said availability for Windows 10 on Xiaomi Mi 4 "will be announced in the months to come." Here's the statement in full:
As part of the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft will partner with Xiaomi to offer Windows 10 free downloads to a select group of Xiaomi Mi4 users. Xiaomi Mi4 users will get the ability to flash their phones with the new Windows 10 OS and provide feedback to Xiaomi and Microsoft on their experience. 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.
Xiaomi is a leading phone manufacturer in China undergoing significant global expansion. We are excited to partner with them in China and jointly gather feedback from Chinese users on their experience with Windows 10 to jointly collaborate on product and services development for the platform.
Availability will be announced in the months to come.
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