Microsoft has unveiled a new device, the Windows 365 Cloud Link, designed to streamline corporate workers’ access to cloud-based desktops and applications. Currently available for limited testing in the U.S., Canada, and select other countries, this device is slated for a wider release at a price of $349 in April. Aimed at businesses, the Cloud Link offers a simple and cost-effective solution for employees to connect securely to their personalized virtual desktops hosted in the cloud.
The Windows 365 Cloud Link represents a strategic pivot for Microsoft as it continues to explore the hardware market. Despite efforts with its Surface product line, Microsoft has not become a dominant player in the traditional PC hardware sector. In the second quarter, Microsoft reported a 11% drop in device revenue, though overall PC shipments saw a slight increase of 2%. This new device, however, focuses on providing a lightweight, cloud-first experience, rather than competing directly with conventional PCs.
The device is designed for simplicity and security, running on a stripped-down version of Windows called Windows CPC. It operates without local applications or users and enforces strict application controls that cannot be bypassed. The updates are all done automatically, ensuring your devices stay up-to-date without requiring manual interaction. Having a compact form factor and weighing less than one pound, the Cloud Link will be simply easy to place on a desk or even mount behind a monitor. The device supports dual 4K monitors, providing robust display capabilities for users.
Featuring an Intel chip, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, the Cloud Link is meant for call centers, hot-desking scenarios in which employees temporarily use other people’s workstations, among other similar environments. Early testers have found it effective for these contexts, helping businesses provide seamless access to cloud-based desktops without the difficulty of managing physical hardware.
This Windows 365 Cloud Link has marked the release following the success garnered by Microsoft’s Windows 365 service that enables employees to gain access to customized virtual desktops directly from any device. The services, which include the Azure Virtual Desktop, have realized a further growth spurts since the COVID-19 global pandemic set in and which increasingly promoted the usage of remote and hybrid working models. As noted by Microsoft, during July 2023, its cloud-based desktop services brought in $1 billion in revenue for the first time. The Windows 365 Cloud Link can be regarded as the next or alternative option beyond the conventional thin client devices, which also play a role in connecting to virtual desktop infrastructures.
