Last night, Microsoft announced they’re going to release the much-awaited Windows 10 operating system later this summer. It was further revealed the software giant has partnered with the folks at Xiaomi to test Windows 10 on the company’s high-end Xiaomi Mi4 with a selected group of users.
The details are scarce on how the company plans to move on with this, but TechCrunch mentioned the company is reportedly working on a ROM which will transform an Android device to a fully functional Windows 10 handset with Microsoft services running on it. The ROM operates more like all the ROMs people install to tinker with their devices, especially in China where the practice is quite common. The main reason to work with Xiaomi is because it has climbed to the top five smartphone manufacturers in the world, and has a strong presence on Chinese shores.
Here’s the complete statement from Microsoft regarding the matter:
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.
It would be interesting to see how Microsoft will pull this move off. If this becomes available to anyone, it would give Android users an easier means to give Windows operating system a test run and see what it’s capable off.
