Microsoft is preparing to release five different versions of Windows 10, each one categorised with a different price tag. The new versions are Windows 10 Entry, Windows 10 Value, Core+, and Advanced. In addition, Windows 10 S will be a separated version of Windows. Microsoft announced in their place the “S Mode” for Windows 10, which will be available in Home, Pro and Enterprise editions.
These implementations of Windows are not for end consumers, instead, these implementations are for partners like OEMs (large system builders). One key to the system builder’s choice of which version they buy will depend entirely on the specifications of the hardware of that system. Each version will also vary in pricing, with the least expensive costing $25 and the most expensive costing $101.
So, in summary, we have the following pricing:
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Entry ($25): Intel Atom/Celeron/Pentium ≤ 4GB RAM & ≤ 32GB SSD AND ≤ 14.1″ screen size (NB), ≤ 11.6″ (2in1, Tablet), ≥ 17″ AiO
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Value ($45): Intel Atom/Celeron/Pentium ≤ 4GB RAM & ≤64GB SSD & ≤ 14.1″ screen size (EM ≤ 4GB RAM & ≤64GB SSD or ≤ 500GB HDD)
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Core ($65.45): Cannot be used on devices that meet the Core+ and Advanced SKU Hardware Specifications
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Core + ($86.66): High end CPU and >4GB RAM (All Form Factors) ≥8GB RAM & ≥1080p screen resolution (NB, 2in1, AiO) >8GB RAM & ≥2TB HDD or SSD storage (Desktop)
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Advanced ($101): Intel Core i9 (any configuration) OR Core i7 ≥ 6 cores (any RAM) OR AMD Threadripper(any configuration) OR Intel Core i7 >16GB (any cores) or AMD FX/ Ryzen7 >16GB (any cores) OR ≥ 4K screen resolution (any processor, includes 4K UHD-3840 resolution.
The features of these versions are probably not too different from the Home version, but their prices and hardware restrictions will be. Especially featured are Windows 10 Entry and Windows 10 Value.
Another news, is the removal of Windows S as a separate product. The most important feature of Windows S was its ability to run apps only through the Window Store. Windows 10 is now getting “S Mode” and this mode will work for Home, Pro, and Enterprise. More will be learned when Microsoft makes an official announcement.
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Author: PC-GR
The World of Technology
