Microsoft unveiled a Mac Mini analog – Windows 365 Link PC: works only in the cloud

At Microsoft’s Ignite 2024 conference, the company announced a new product – Windows 365 Link, a compact desktop PC about the size of Apple’s recently released Mac mini. Unlike Apple’s device, however, Microsoft’s new product isn’t a full-fledged PC: It works exclusively through the cloud.

Windows 365 Link.

A new Mac mini competitor? Almost

.

On the outside, Windows 365 Link does resemble a Mac mini: it’s a small black box with ports on the back. But their internal capabilities are fundamentally different. While the Mac mini has powerful M4 and M4 Pro processors and functions like a full-fledged computer, Windows 365 Link is essentially a terminal for streaming Windows from the cloud.

Microsoft is positioning the device as an ideal solution for enterprise customers. Instead of investing in expensive hardware, companies can use a compact device that connects to the Internet and harnesses the power of cloud virtual machines. This dramatically reduces hardware costs and simplifies maintenance.

Windows 365 Link specifications

Not much is known about the new product’s internals at the moment. It features 8GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and an unnamed Intel processor. However, these specs are of minimal importance, as all computing is done in the cloud.

At the moment, the new device has 8GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and an unnamed Intel processor.

From a connectivity perspective, Windows 365 Link offers the following ports:

• USB-C;
• 2 × USB-A;
• DisplayPort;
• HDMI;
• Ethernet.

The device also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 wireless standards for advanced connectivity.

Benefits and Limitations

Microsoft claims that there are significant security benefits to using the cloud. All data is encrypted in the cloud and nothing is stored locally on the device, minimizing the risks of data theft. But there’s an obvious downside: without an Internet connection, the device is completely useless.

Microsoft claims that using the cloud offers significant security benefits.

Price and availability

Windows 365 Link will go on sale in 2024 for $349. It will also require a Windows 365 subscription, which starts at $28 per month.

Despite its interesting approach, the device is inevitably compared to the Mac mini, which costs just $250 more but offers significantly more powerful hardware and the ability to work without the internet. The Mac mini remains the preferred choice for most users due to its performance, compactness, and great price.

The Mac mini remains the preferred choice for most users due to its performance, compactness, and great price.

The Mac mini remains the preferred choice for most users.