Windows announced on Wednesday through Windows Hardware Engineering Community event (WinHEC) in China about a partnership with Qualcomm to expand its reach more in mobile devices ARM processors. This isn't the first time that Microsoft has done this. Previously, Microsoft made a version of Windows 8 called Windows RT that was meant for ARM processors.
However, that project flopped because most applications failed to run on Windows devices. The company learned from that mistake, and for this reason, Microsoft and Qualcomm partnership is established in order to make it possible for Windows to run on any devices that are powered by ARM processors include Qualcomm's Snapdragon. This time, Microsoft plans to use an emulation technology that will allow Windows 10 to run x86 Win 32 apps such as Microsoft Office, and Adobe Photoshop.
According to Terry Myerson, the executive vice president of Microsoft's Windows and Devices Group, "For the first time ever, our customers will be able to experience the Windows they know with all the apps, peripherals and enterprise capabilities they require, on a truly mobile, power efficient, always connected cellular PC." If this project succeeds, Microsoft will be able to spread its reach on a wider support for Windows software that will include all types of mobile devices such mobile phones, and tablets.
A report from Wall Street Journal mentioned that the partnership will then result in an update of Windows 10's capability to run Snapdragon chips. This also allows Microsoft to not only depend on Intel chips which will create new opportunities for Qualcomm to penetrate higher markets and price margins.
Microsoft has been unsuccessful in breaking the smartphone space with Windows unable to run on certain devices. For now, the company is planning on developing cellular PCs built around x86 code of Windows that will use the ARM architecture.