What if iPhone or Android users could run Microsoft's universal apps right on their phone?

Microsoft's vision of Windows as a Service (WaaS) may be more than just a steady stream of updates to users of the Windows 10 operating system. Virtualization of Windows 10 across many devices may be the ultimate end goal by Redmond according to my sources. Such a plan would certainly give new meaning to Universal Windows Platform (UWP). HP Elite x3 and virtualized Windows 10

Early signs of the virtualization approach are already being implemented with the forthcoming HP Elite x3 smartphone running Windows 10 Mobile. That phone was just announced this week at Mobile World Congress. While the Elite x3 cannot run classic Windows desktop apps directly, it can run them indirectly through HP's Workspace technology. With that program users can run legacy apps through the cloud to the phone. Best VPN providers 2020: Learn about ExpressVPN, NordVPN & more HP believes the ultimate future for enterprise is with the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) but acknowledge that many Win32 apps may never be rewritten to Microsoft's preferred platform.

HP Workspace works by creating a collection of desktop apps that run remotely on a server. Companies then let employees run virtualized desktop apps through the cloud to the Elite x3 via Continuum and the HP Mobile Extender or HP Desk Dock. Part of the reason why the Elite x3 does not launch until later this summer is so that HP can work with companies on virtualizing their legacy software in anticipation of device deployment. HP Workspace is essentially a more sophisticated version of Remote Desktop, but the backend and connection are secured since it can leverage Citrix. The reason so many companies are reportedly interested in the Elite x3 is due employees being able to access sensitive data and applications through one protected device.

While current 'bring your own device' (BYOD) programs exist in corporate environments, they occur in response to the lack of a viable and secure alternative and not because an iPhone or Android device is a superior solution. The promise of a Windows-everywhere future, however, could turn the tide of such programs should HP's Elite x3 prove to be successful. Limitations, of course, are present with virtualization, but it does steer clear of the need to run a phone using x86 Intel hardware. Microsoft and Intel are exploring such devices but there is no evidence that either company is close to releasing a phone that could replicate an actual "PC in the pocket". As an alternative, Microsoft's Azure cloud service and virtualized environments can do the heavy lifting so that a Windows phone (via Continuum) becomes an end-terminal while accomplishing the same goal. It should be noted that HP's solution does require remote servers hosting the PC software and is not available to regular consumers. Universal apps and two-way Bridges