According to information allegedly obtained by German news site WinFuture, some retail versions of Windows 10 will be sold on preloaded USB flash drives.

A Microsoft spokesperson declined to confirm or deny the news, citing the company’s policy to not comment on rumors or speculation.

The much-anticipated multi-platform version of Microsoft’s flagship OS is built to operate not only on full PCs, but also tablets and ultrabook laptops, most of which don’t typically pack a CD or DVD drive. A USB thumb drive version would allow smaller, next-gen machines to also install Windows 10 Home or Professionial versions from scratch without a lengthy download.

The full-install version of Windows 10, set to be released on July 29, will start at $119.

Of course, since Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will come as a free, downloadable update for current Windows 7 and Windows 8 customers, most PCers will never need to see a Windows 10 disc or flash drive.

But hey, by slowly eschewing plastic discs and finally giving us a version of Windows that’s better than Windows XP, Microsoft is already well on its way toward embracing 21st century technology. Way to go, Redmond!

Email me at danbean@yahoo-inc.com. Follow me on Twitter at danielwbean.



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