Microsoft is working on Windows Core OS and Windows Lite version of its Windows operating system for dual-screen and 2-in-1 devices – aimed at rivalling Google’s Chromebooks.
We recently spotted a benchmark of Windows Core OS on Geekbench with an unknown Intel processor. The benchmark is based on a Geekbench 5 test and it appears to have been tested on a virtual machine called “Microsoft Corporation Virtual Machine” running Windows Core OS.
This suggests that Microsoft is testing the operating system in virtual machines and the timing is certainly interesting as we’re less than seven days away from Microsoft’s Surface hardware event.
According to a new finding, Geekbench listing shows Windows Core OS running a mysterious Intel Lakefield processor.
The Geekbench listing points to Penta-core processor and GenuineIntel Family 6 Model 138. Twitter user InstLatX64 claims that the processor is actually based on Intel’s Lakefield, which has 4 MB of L3 cache and 4 Tremont + 1 Sunny Cove.
Intel’s Lakefield is an interesting SoC and it has more than one type of CPU core to create a better rounded-performing system. It’s a hybrid processor with integrated memory and I/O interface.
While this suggests that the Redmond firm is at the later stages of testing Windows Core OS, it’s entirely possible that the Benchmark has been spoofed, so take this news with a pinch of salt for now.
Windows Core OS rumours
Windows Core OS is expected to power Surface Centaurus, a dual-screen device and it could also support Android apps.
Microsoft is said to be building this OS for several other form factors, including large screen devices like Surface Hub. And the company plans to ship Windows Core OS with only select hardware. This means Windows Core OS won’t be rolled out to current users as an update and current Windows 10 experience will remain unchanged.
