Tuesday, November 19th 2024

Microsoft is Introducing a $349 Mini PC That Streams Windows 11 from the Cloud

Microsoft is introducing Windows 365 Link, a compact cloud PC for business users. The device costs $349 and measures just 120 x 120 x 30 mm, making it smaller than Apple's Mac mini. The compact size comes from the fanless cooling design and the fact that the device doesn't have local storage capabilities. This small computer has quite a variety of connectivity options, including one USB-C, three USB-A ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Ethernet connections, supports two 4K monitors, and has Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E wireless capabilities. The specific hardware details are not yet revealed by Microsoft.

It requires Windows 365 with Microsoft Intune and Entra ID, and it works with 365 Frontline, Enterprise, and Business editions. As with other cloud-based solutions, Microsoft will lock some of the security options, "features like Secure Boot, the dedicated Trusted Platform Module, Hypervisor Code Integrity, BitLocker encryption, and the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint detection and response sensor can't be turned off, further helping to secure the device". Microsoft plans to launch the device in April 2025, with early previews in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Businesses interested in testing the device can contact their Microsoft account team before December 15, 2024, to join the preview program.
With Windows 365 Link, Microsoft is getting one step closer to its intention to make Windows available anytime, anywhere from the Cloud as a subscription service, similar to what Adobe did years ago.

Source: Microsoft
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56 Comments on Microsoft is Introducing a $349 Mini PC That Streams Windows 11 from the Cloud

#51
phanbuey
This was like the early wyse thin client terminals. These are good for office machines.

But yeah better have really good internet otherwise nothing works. So there's still that risk.
Posted on Reply
#52
Daven
btarunrSo Microsoft's response to the Mac Mini nuke is a freaking DaaS box? And at $350?
I guess it serves us right since the only comment most here can say about Apple is walled garden. We really don’t have a much better situation with Microsoft.

I actually envy anyone here who has successfully moved to Linux.
Posted on Reply
#53
Marcus L
phanbueyThis was like the early wyse thin client terminals. These are good for office machines.

But yeah better have really good internet otherwise nothing works. So there's still that risk.
Citrix and VMware says hi....
ChaitanyaJust like Mining and ML/AI stupidty another waste of energy resources that should meet early grave. What a waste of resources.
Just cause you don't understand technology doesn't mean it's worthless
Posted on Reply
#54
eidairaman1
The Exiled Airman
Setting up for failure like CloudStrike
phanbueyThis was like the early wyse thin client terminals. These are good for office machines.

But yeah better have really good internet otherwise nothing works. So there's still that risk.
Marcus LCitrix and VMware says hi....


Just cause you don't understand technology doesn't mean it's worthless
Posted on Reply
#55
silapakorn
Apple should take note. Putting a power button on the front of mini PC doesn't always look bad.
Posted on Reply
#56
dir_d
btarunrSo Microsoft's response to the Mac Mini nuke is a freaking DaaS box? And at $350?
And pay a minimum of $31 a month on top of the $350 or its a paper weight.
Posted on Reply
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Nov 19th, 2024 23:22 EST change timezone

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