Since the advent of cloud gaming with services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Amazon Luna, it was no longer necessary I have a console to play on. This allowed us to enjoy our favorite games, even AAA, from a wide range of devices as long as we had a good connection.

However, this formula does not apply to personal computers. If we need to use Windows on a daily basis, it is almost impossible to do this without a computer. But something is changing at Microsoft, and proof of this is the new “Windows App” application, which provides access to the operating system from, for example, an iPhone.

Windows without a computer and from anywhere

A few years ago the Redmond company announced Windows 365, which is essentially a business service. Windows in the cloud. We had the opportunity to test this alternative shortly after its launch and discover some of its advantages and flaws. The development of Windows 365 has not stopped.

After the release of Windows 11, it started to support this operating system as well as Windows 10. As we mentioned above, it now has a new app for Windows, macOS, iOS and iPadOS (not Android). This is the new nerve center from which Microsoft can deliver its Windows service from various platforms in the cloud.

What does the new Windows app let you do? We can access our Windows session at: mobile phones, tablets, laptops and even web browsers. It’s like a streaming gaming platform, everything promises to be exclusive and you don’t need to own a computer.

The Windows App not only provides access to Windows 365, but also other Windows Cloud services such as Azure Virtual Desktop and Microsoft Dev Box, as well as Microsoft Remote Desktop Services. The bad news is that access to this application and Windows in the cloud is limited to enterprise clients.

As we noted in our 2021 tests, the service offering is available through two subscriptions: Business and Enterprise. Plans are starting 31.30 Euros per month for a virtual machine with a dual-core CPU, 4 GB RAM and 128 GB storage (some subscriptions support a free trial).

This doesn’t mean Windows in the cloud won’t reach mainstream use in the future. According to documents obtained from the legal battle between Microsoft and the FTC, the company led by Satya Nadella plans to offer Windows 365 or its equivalent to all users, although it is a long-term plan.

How to download the new Windows App?

The Windows Application is in the development process and the final version has not been released yet. But now it is possible to try. On Windows, download Windows 365 from the Microsoft Store and click “Preview” to activate the new Windows App with all its features.

On macOS, iOS and iPadOS, the app is available via TestFlight. Remember, TestFlight allows you to upload beta applications to the Apple ecosystem. This means apps can fail and also request certain information to be shared with the developer.

Images: svstudioart | Microsoft

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