Microsoft to convert Android devices to Windows 10 phones with its ROM
This is something none of us would have imagined in our wildest dreams, but Microsoft is all set to bring Windows 10 for Phones. The Redmond based software giant is tying up with China’s top OEM Xiaomi, bringing Windows 10 for Phones to the Mi4.
Microsoft is working on an image of Windows 10 for Phones that will replace Android on the Xiaomi Mi4. The company will release a ROM that can be flashed on to the Xiaomi Mi4 and you can have a Windows 10 phone then and there itself. This is probably something that Microsoft was inclined to work on with Cyanogen Inc, but that plan didn’t fructify, with the latter not receiving any funding from Microsoft in the latest round.
Microsoft is currently testing this process and if things fall in place, this could be expanded to other devices, with more options to tweak and dual boot it alongside another ROM.
An excerpt from Microsoft’s statement is attached below:
As part of the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft will partner with Xiaomi to offer Windows 10 free downloads to a select group of Xiaomi Mi4 users. Xiaomi Mi4 users will get the ability to flash their phones with the new Windows 10 OS and provide feedback to Xiaomi and Microsoft on their experience. This partnership will allow Xiaomi and Microsoft to get direct user feedback and continue to improve the experience for China. Microsoft is thrilled to see Xiaomi embracing Windows 10 and offering this great value to their customers. We’re excited to see the feedback we receive from this audience.
Xiaomi is a leading phone manufacturer in China undergoing significant global expansion. We are excited to partner with them in China and jointly gather feedback from Chinese users on their experience with Windows 10 to jointly collaborate on product and services development for the platform.
Availability will be announced in the months to come.
