Lean, Mean Windows Running Everywhere Is Microsoft’s Next Goal

notes, Microsoft’s goal now is to get a lean and mean version of Windows running everywhere. I am not sure about mean, but a leaner operating system is always welcome! According to the company, Windows Phone 8 is the first such product in this new philosophy. The idea is to create a reduce the footprint of the operating system so that it can run on more devices and deliver enhanced performance, even with slower hardware. This is what the job posting on Microsoft’s career website states:

“Working in this team requires the ability to analyze and change large, unfamiliar code bases without breaking them, strong cross-group skills, and the passion to get a lean and mean Windows running everywhere. Windows API surface, etc.). The footprint of these smaller operating systems is in the order of megabytes – not gigabytes. Windows Phone 8 was the first released product using this technology.”

Well, 900 megabytes is closer to a gigabyte than one might think, but you get the idea! Microsoft have focused in this direction for a fair while now. Windows 8.1 lowered the display resolution requirements, while the recently released Windows 8.1 Update lowered the system requirements so that budget and affordable devices could deploy the operating system. With the OS now free for devices 9 inches and lower, expect an avalanche soon! Now, just as long as Microsoft clearly distinguishes between each form factor, and designs the various versions of Windows keeping this in mind, all will be well with the world.]]>