Windows 10 ROM for Android Announced, to Be Piloted in China
Microsoft has found a way to install a Windows 10 ROM on Android phones and is currently testing it out with a group of "power users" in China who are using Xiaomi Mi 4 Android devices. This announcement was made by the company during its major announcement that the latest version of their operating system will soon be available to the public.
According to a Windows blog, Terry Myerson wrote: "Through a new program with Xiaomi, one of the top smartphone distributors in the world, a select group of Xiaomi Mi 4 power users will be invited to help test Windows 10 and contribute to its future release later this year. These power users will have the opportunity to download the Windows 10 Technical Preview – installing it and providing their feedback to Microsoft."
Xiaomi in a separate statement clarified that this is not a formal partnership and that Microsoft is "working directly with select members of our Xiaomi fan community in China" in this "experimental program." According to a report in BGR, Microsoft will create a custom build of Windows 10 and have select Mi 4 users who are already familiar with installing custom ROMs use it on their devices. Xiaomi also reiterated their commitment to the Android ecosystem.
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As far as what the custom ROM can do, according to BGR, it allows the user to flash Windows 10 on their smartphone. It also comes with Microsoft associated apps such as Cortana, Skype, OneDrive, Office and more. This is what makes it attractive to users in China because of current restrictions on the Google Play market in the country. A report in TechCrunch also cited that "there is a greater spirit of customization in China, particularly for Android users since third-party app stores are the norm as Google Play is severely restricted there."
Beyond the pilot however, Microsoft has already hinted that this software will be available soon.
