Microsoft's Windows 10 for ARM plans are interesting, allowing Windows 10 to function across form factors, including mobile. However, third-party developers are ahead of the company and are already running Windows 10 for ARM on a Lumia 950 XL smartphone.
We have discussed that development over recent months, including its expansion of features such as cellular connection support. However, one limitation has been users are still running a full PC operating system on a 6-inch handset.
Last week, teams working on the Windows 10 for ARM development announced a breakthrough. Called MobileShell, the solution makes using Windows 10 on a smartphone more efficient. Today, developer ADeltaX has released the application on the Microsoft Store.
MobileShell is a Windows 10 shell that bases itself on Windows 10 Mobile. However, it delivers the full capabilities of Windows 10 on PC, just better suited for a smaller device. For example, it runs in Windows 10 tablet mode, which also means it will run on the Lumia 950 XL.
As someone may have spotted, yes, MobileShell is on Microsoft Store! (as unlisted, bc it's alpha.)
I'll update it periodically.
Please, before updating, switch to Desktop mode first as MS Store kills the app straight before installing.Link: https://t.co/kXpSW187s9
Have fun!
— ADeltaX (@ADeltaXForce) June 2, 2019
ADeltaX says the current app supports:
- Battery status (charging, normal, saving)
- Detects (like w10m):
- Focus Assist
- Location usage
- WiFi (expected to be partially broken)
- Cellular (+ dual sim) -> WIP, expected to be broken
- Tablet mode or Desktop mode (expected to be broken)
- Double tap to sleep
- Click/touch the status bar to open the action center
Details
Once in tablet mode on your laptop of Lumia 950 XL, working with MobileShell is easy. The Windows button opens the Start menu, while pressing an holding the back arrow button initiates the Task Switcher to move between apps. Finally, as you would expect the Search button allows you to open search.
The developer says the project is ongoing and more features will be added in time. If you are interested in MobileShell, you can grab it here. This is an alpha build, so it is actually unlisted on the Store. The source code is open, and developers can try it here.