Microsoft might be working on its own Surface-branded foldable that runs Android, but a U.K. company might have something that could please many Microsoft enthusiasts (some of whom might have come from the discontinued Windows Phone platform). Emperion teased on Twitter a smartphone that runs Windows 10 on ARM, dubbed the Nebulus. And as full access to desktop applications on pocket-sized device wasn’t potentially great enough, the device will also be capable of running Android apps right out of the box.
We’re proud to announce:
After a lengthy development, the #Nebulus has joined the #Windows10 #ARM future!
(We did say big things had happened! 😏)#smartphone #Windows #Convergence #ByeAppGap #freedom pic.twitter.com/Y7BYE90mkI— ΞMPERION (@EmperionUK) February 17, 2020
According to Windows Central, the Nebulus runs on an overclocked Snapdragon 845 processor and a custom user interface. The device is expected to be sold SIM-free and unlocked online, and the company is working to get the phone on a wireless carrier in the U.K., with plans to ship the device in the U.S. sometime in the future. The device will also be able to connect though USB-C to allow users to bring the full Windows desktop onto their monitors, and will additionally be able to add up to 2 TB of extra storage via a MicroSD card.
Of course, as exciting as that might sound, there could be some potential caveats. As WC’s Daniel Rubino points out, Windows 10 on ARM doesn’t natively sport telephony capabilities, which could mean the device might have to rely on VoIP technologies instead.
Windows 10 on ARM doesn’t have native telephony abilities, so this would be just Skype + LTE?
Basically a PC form factor with custom skin. Could be neat, but with just a Snapdragon 845 (“overclocked”) I don’t believe this is your Windows Phone replacement.
— Daniel Rubino (@Daniel_Rubino) February 18, 2020
Still, having the power of Windows 10 on ARM and support for Android apps could almost make this the perfect device for those who stuck with the Windows 10 Mobile platform before its death last month. Microsoft once had plans to bring Android app support to Windows 10 Mobile a long while back, but eventually scrapped them soon after.
According to the company, “Microsoft have been instrumental in helping [Emperiom] put the Nebulus together and they’ve been a great help!” The company also noted that it will only sell one model of the device, just like most major phone players which sell two or three models of any flagship device.
What do you think about a Windows on ARM phone with support for Android apps? Do you think this is the perfect Windows device? Sound off in the comments.
