The first mini PC from Microsoft is here. Project Volterra is the name of the game here, and this tiny device will also be known as the Windows Dev Kit 2023 when it finally launches.
Redmond is aiming this small machine at Windows developers who want to bring their apps to ARM-powered devices to help populate this category among consumers. This new device offers everything that developers need to build their software for the Windows on ARM platform.
The Dev Kit was originally introduced earlier this year at the BUILD 2022 conference.
It is based upon the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 Compute Platform, which is paired with 32GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. You also get three USB-A and two USB-C ports alongside a Mini DisplayPort that allows connecting up to three monitors, including two at 4K 60Hz.
This device is now the face of Microsoft’s ARM native toolkit that includes preview versions of Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 version 17.4, the Windows App SDK, and .NET Framework 4.8.1.
Additionally, the powerful Qualcomm Neural Processing SDK is also part of the package, which gives developers access to the platform’s advanced AI capabilities, such as voice isolation and bokeh image-capturing features of the Surface Pro 9.
As you know, this new lineup now comes in both Intel and ARM flavors.
The launch of this little machine will go a long way toward opening the path for developers to easily bring their experiences to those who have opted for Windows devices based on ARM processors. This, in turn, should help make Windows on ARM a more attractive choice.
The Windows Dev Kit 2023 costs $599, and you can order one right here.
As of this writing, it is available in eight countries: Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
