Hugo Barra Clears Up Xiaomi/Microsoft Windows 10 Program

With news Microsoft was working on a ROM for a handset that was known only as an Android phone, ears perked. A few "power users", in cooperation with Xiaomi, were given the opportunity to check out a Windows build for the Mi 4. One report cited the Windows-for-Xiaomi build as being used to take the place of Android on handsets. Now, Xiaomi boss Hugo Barra is clarifying what Xiaomi and Microsoft are up to. While he didn't quite refute any prior claims, he did set the record straight.

The experimental program is all Microsoft, who is working directly with Mi users. Microsoft also made a Windows 10 build specifically for the Mi 4 handset, which is not offered as an android 'skin', nor is it available as a dual-boot option.

The opt-in program meant those involved in the trial would need to "manually re-flash their Mi 4 devices with this Windows 10 ROM, in the same way they would re-flash other Android ROMs."

So there you go — totally experimental, and a way for Microsoft to find an audience in China. In reporting on this originally, we said "it seems a way for Windows to piggyback their way into a new market on the back of a strong partner like Xiaomi."

It looks as though that's still the case. Xiaomi has a massive following in China, which is a new market for Windows 10. Microsoft is hard at work making sure Windows 10 is as good as we all want it to be, too, and have done a great job of crowdsourcing feedback. It seems that's all they're really doing in China, too.

Source: Hugo Barra