Microsoft’s Spring event to focus on Windows 10 Cloud, not new Surface hardware

New details have emerged about Microsoft’s upcoming Spring event that suggests we won’t see much new Surface hardware. Instead, according to ZDNet‘s Mary Jo Foley, Microsoft will spend much of the event’s runtime talking about a new product called Windows 10 Cloud.

Microsoft will start sending press invites to the event as early this week, says Foley. She goes on to state the event is codenamed “Bespin,” a name several other Microsoft insiders have corroborated. If you’re a Star Wars fan, you likely see where this is going.

In the Star Wars universe, Bespin is home to Cloud City. In other words, it’s a fitting codename for an event that will see Microsoft focus on Windows 10 Cloud.

However, as Foley notes, Windows 10 Cloud is something of a misleading name. It’s not a version of Windows designed to run off the cloud; instead, it’s a simplified and potentially more secure take on the company’s existing desktop and tablet operating system. Foley speculates the purpose of Windows 10 Cloud is to compete against Chrome OS, though she doesn’t offer much else in the way of specifics.

While we may see Microsoft unveil a low-cost Windows 10 Cloud device, Foley reiterates that we probably won’t see the company show off a new Surface Book 2 two-in-one. Confirming Paul Thurrott‘s report from late last week, she says her sources tell her Microsoft will likely unveil a Surface Pro 5 two-in-one. However, the new two-in-one won’t feature USB-C charging, and will instead stick with the company’s Surface Port.

[source]ZDNet[/source]