this post was submitted on 06 Oct 2023
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[A]n INI configuration file in the Windows Canary channel, discovered by German website Deskmodder, includes references to a "Subscription Edition," "Subscription Type," and a "subscription status."

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[–] Veedem 209 points 1 year ago (4 children)

For the average consumer, this would help Apple and Google out more than anything. People want what they know.

On the more savvy user side and for gamers, this move would, potentially, help Linux adoption rates.

[–] [email protected] 85 points 1 year ago (4 children)

It would help all of their competitors. A non zero number of people would move from windows to each of the others.

Whether or not the number moving away from windows and on to each of the others is significant or not is a different matter.

The biggest thing helping Linux right now is Valve's work improving the gaming experience, IMO.

[–] Veedem 25 points 1 year ago

Even the rumor of this makes Valve’s focus on Linux seem that much smarter.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I've never used Linux but if Microsoft goes subscription I'm out and I'll be learning Linux.

[–] mesamunefire 2 points 1 year ago

NGL PopOs is easy and the works with steam/most things easily.

I really hope Windows doesn't go subscription based because of the proliferation of ads.

[–] PHLAK 1 points 1 year ago

I've been meaning to install Linux on my primary gaming PC but haven't yet due to laziness. This would 100% get me to pull the trigger if/when I ever had to upgrade/reinstall.

[–] johnlobo 11 points 1 year ago

valve would be really happy if Microsoft do windows subscription, lmao

[–] cm0002 7 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

For the average consumer, this would help Apple and Google out more than anything. **People want what they know. **

Exactly, which is why this will probably work, do you really think the average consumer that's used to Windows is going to switch to Mac when they can just pay 5$/month instead? Lol

As long as the price isn't ridiculous like 50$/month or some shit, the average consumer is just going to pay it lolol

[–] Veedem 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

To start, I don’t think it’ll be a “subscribe or else” type deal. My assumption would be something like a forced S mode unless you subscribe.

Second, people won’t jump right away. To start, word will get around and they’ll simply not update. Then, when it comes time to buy a new computer, the average user will be possibly swayed to look at entry level MB Airs (They often go on sale for like $750) or Chromebooks.

The people who will get really pissed will be power users and gamers who will be forced to shell out money to get back features they had in previous versions of the OS.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Honestly, I don't even think it'll be S mode. Just Home really and for pro users they'll end up with the subscription model

[–] franklin -4 points 1 year ago

Yeah the only people whose minds this will change are agnostic techies

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Yup, Chromebooks are already cheap and pretty intuitive, I think this will bump their sales a lot. I've ditched windows long ago except for my gaming PC and the PCs at my office (I don't have a say in those though, I just much prefer Linux

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Yup, Chromebooks are already cheap and pretty intuitive, I think this will bump their sales a lot.

Won't matter to Microsoft at all. You'll use your Chromebook to connect your Windows 365 Cloud PC . They'll add it to the Microsoft Family Plan, same one that has MS Office in it, for free when its introduced and then slowly raise the price as people get embedded into it.

Gaming? You'll buy the WinBook Ultra that can handle streaming gaming or buy an Xbox.

Welcome to the future, it'll be here in 10 years or less.

[–] FlyingSquid 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Chromebooks generally encourage you to use Google's family of office apps. So I don't know about that.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

It'll be a legal battle where MS will claim Google's closed ecosystem as a monopoly and force them to carry the "MS Cloud PC App" in the Play Store. Or you'll just go buy a "WinBook" made by HP, Dell, Lenovo, etc...

[–] ABCDE 1 points 1 year ago

And tablets, which most people seem to be using these days.