Microsoft Unveils $349 Mini Desktop Tailored Specifically for Cloud-Centric Windows Access

# Microsoft Reveals Windows 365 Link: The Premier “Cloud PC” Thin Client

In a pivotal advancement in cloud-centric computing, Microsoft has unveiled its inaugural “Cloud PC” gadget, the **Windows 365 Link**. This compact, plastic thin client is slated for release in April, with a price tag of $349. Unlike conventional desktop systems, the Windows 365 Link is engineered to connect solely to Microsoft’s Windows 365 cloud service, presenting a distinctive choice in the realm of business computing.

## What is the Windows 365 Link?

The Windows 365 Link functions as a **mini desktop PC** that does not operate a complete version of Windows locally. Instead, it interfaces with Microsoft’s **Windows 365 Cloud PC** service, where the actual operating system and applications reside. This configuration enables the device to act purely as a conduit between your peripherals (displays, keyboard, mouse, etc.) and the cloud-based Windows ecosystem.

The unit resembles a **simple black plastic box** adorned with a Windows logo on its surface, akin to a miniature variant of Microsoft’s **Windows Dev Kit 2023**, an Arm-driven desktop aimed at developers. While the specifications are relatively basic, the device is equipped with sufficient power to accomplish essential cloud computing tasks.

### Key Hardware Features

– **Front Ports**: One **USB-A** port for convenient access.
– **Back Ports**: A **USB-C 3.2** port, two extra **USB-A** ports, a **full-size DisplayPort**, a **full-size HDMI** port, an **Ethernet** port, and a power connector.
– **Processor and Memory**: The device utilizes an unspecified **Intel processor**, containing **8GB of RAM** and **64GB of storage**.
– **Fanless Design**: The device operates without sound, owing to its fanless architecture.
– **Connectivity**: It is compatible with **Wi-Fi 6E** and **Bluetooth 5.3**, facilitating rapid wireless connections and straightforward pairing with accessories like keyboards, mice, and headsets.
– **Display Support**: The device can connect to two **4K displays** at the same time, making it ideal for multitasking and high-resolution work environments.

### A Thin Client for the Cloud Age

The Windows 365 Link is a **thin client**, a category of computing device that has existed for many years in corporate settings. Thin clients feature minimal local computing capability and depend on a more robust server or cloud infrastructure to run applications and store data. This strategy presents several advantages, particularly for IT managers:

– **Centralized Management**: As all data and applications are stored in the cloud, IT teams can manage and update the system conveniently without needing to address individual devices.
– **User Flexibility**: Users can access their applications, data, and preferences from any thin client, simplifying device swapping or remote work.
– **Security**: Thin clients mitigate the possibility of data loss or theft since sensitive information is saved in the cloud rather than on the local machine.

### How Does It Function?

The Windows 365 Link operates a **stripped-down version of Windows** that solely exists to connect to local peripherals and the Windows 365 cloud service. When online, users can tap into their comprehensive Windows 365 Cloud PC environment, inclusive of all their applications, files, and preferences.

However, when the device is **offline**, it largely becomes unusable. Although there might be a basic interface available for connecting to networks and peripherals, the device’s primary role is to function as a portal to the cloud. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses that are deeply reliant on cloud computing and require a straightforward, economical method to grant employees access to their working environment.

### Performance and Capabilities

In spite of its modest specifications, the Windows 365 Link is built to meet the expectations of contemporary business environments. Microsoft has confirmed that the device can:

– **Facilitate video encoding and decoding** for videoconferencing, rendering it apt for remote work and virtual meetings.
– **Link to various peripherals**, including webcams, headsets, and external storage units, ensuring a smooth user experience.
– **Support high-resolution displays**, accommodating up to two 4K monitors for multitasking and productivity.

## A Glimpse into the Future of Cloud PCs

Microsoft has indicated that the Windows 365 Link is merely the start of its **Cloud PC** initiative. According to Anthony Smith, a Microsoft spokesperson, the company intends to broaden its Cloud PC lineup with additional **endpoints and form factors** in collaboration with its **OEM ecosystem partners**. This could result in a broader selection of devices tailored for varied use cases and industries, delivering more versatility and value to businesses.

### Target Audience and Pricing

The Windows 365 Link is primarily targeted at **business users** and **enterprises** that are already embedded in Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem. The device pairs seamlessly with the **Windows

“Emergent Gravity: An Idea That Deserves Attention Even with Its Difficulties”

# Emergent Gravity: A Daring Notion in the Journey to Comprehend the Universe

Gravity stands as one of the essential forces of nature, directing the movements of planets, stars, and galaxies. Yet, in spite of its pivotal role in our comprehension of the cosmos, gravity continues to be one of the least deciphered forces at a foundational, quantum level. A daring notion that has surfaced in recent years is the idea of **emergent gravity**—the assertion that gravity is not an intrinsic force, but an emergent characteristic stemming from more fundamental physical mechanisms. Although the concept has yet to endure rigorous experimental validation, it provides fascinating insights that could eventually enhance our understanding of the universe.

## What is Emergent Gravity?

Emergent gravity posits that gravity should not be classified as a fundamental force like electromagnetism or the strong nuclear force. Rather, it represents a phenomenon that arises from more basic interactions, similar to how temperature or pressure emerge from the collective dynamics of individual particles in a gas. In this perspective, gravity is comparable to a macroscopic feature that surfaces from the microscopic functions of spacetime and quantum information.

The notion of emergent gravity gained momentum in 2009 when Dutch physicist **Erik Verlinde** suggested that gravity could be an emergent force that stems from the quantum information inscribed on the universe’s surface. Verlinde’s theory builds on prior work related to black hole thermodynamics, which revealed that black holes emit thermal radiation, indicating a profound link between gravity and thermodynamics.

## The Concept of Emergence in Physics

To comprehend emergent gravity, we first need to understand the notion of **emergence** within the realm of physics. Emergence refers to the concept that intricate systems can demonstrate behaviors that are not easily anticipated from the properties of their individual components. For instance, the behavior of a gas—its temperature, pressure, and volume—can be elucidated by the laws of thermodynamics, even though these characteristics are not inherent to individual gas molecules. Instead, they arise from the collective interactions of numerous molecules.

In a similar fashion, emergent gravity suggests that the force we perceive as gravity is not a fundamental interaction but a characteristic that emerges from deeper, more foundational processes, potentially linked to quantum information and the fabric of spacetime itself.

## The Thermodynamics of Black Holes

The foundations of emergent gravity trace back to the 1970s, when physicists like **Stephen Hawking** and **Jacob Bekenstein** uncovered that black holes are not entirely “black.” Instead, they emit a small quantity of thermal radiation, now referred to as **Hawking radiation**. This revelation was revolutionary because it implied that black holes conform to the laws of thermodynamics, despite being entities of pure gravity.

Black holes are predicted by **Einstein’s general theory of relativity**, which depicts gravity as the curvature of spacetime induced by mass and energy. Nevertheless, the reality that black holes emit thermal radiation suggests a more profound relationship between gravity and thermodynamics. This led some physicists to speculate that gravity itself might be an emergent attribute, much like temperature arises from the collective behavior of particles.

## Verlinde’s Theory of Emergent Gravity

In 2009, Erik Verlinde expanded on these concepts by proposing a novel theory of gravity grounded in the idea of **holography**. Holography suggests that the physics of our universe, including gravity, might be inscribed on a lower-dimensional surface, akin to a hologram. In Verlinde’s framework, gravity arises from the statistical behavior of quantum information encoded on the surface of the universe.

Verlinde’s theory also anticipates a slight deviation from general relativity’s predictions in low-density settings, such as interstellar space. According to general relativity, the force of gravity weakens with the square of the distance between two objects. However, Verlinde’s emergent gravity proposes that in extremely low-density environments, gravity might decrease at a slower rate, potentially elucidating some of the observed anomalies in the behavior of galaxies and galaxy clusters.

## Emergent Gravity and Dark Matter

One of the most captivating features of emergent gravity is its capacity to explain the enigmatic phenomenon of **dark matter**. Dark matter is an undetectable form of matter that seems to constitute about 85% of the universe’s matter. Its presence is inferred from its gravitational effects on galaxies and galaxy clusters, yet it has never been directly observed.

Verlinde’s theory implies that the additional gravitational effects attributed to dark matter may instead arise from another attractive component of gravity that manifests in low-density conditions. From this perspective, there is no requirement for dark matter; the observed gravitational effects are merely a result of the emergent qualities of gravity under specific conditions.

## The Challenges of Emergent Gravity

In spite of its elegance and promise, emergent gravity has encountered considerable hurdles. Initial examinations of the theory showed that it could account for the rotation curves of galaxies—one of the key

SpaceX to Utilize Innovative Methods in Starship’s Sixth Test Flight

### SpaceX’s Starship: Advancing the Frontiers of Space Exploration with Flight 6

SpaceX is preparing to initiate the sixth flight of its colossal Starship rocket, a vital evaluation that will stretch the vehicle’s capabilities in novel ways. Slated for launch from South Texas, this mission will target testing pivotal technologies that are fundamental for the future of space travel, like the ability to reignite the rocket’s Raptor engines in space and collect crucial data for future missions.

#### Key Objective: In-Space Engine Relighting

A primary aim of this flight is to reignite one of Starship’s six Raptor engines while in orbit. SpaceX attempted this feat during Starship’s third launch in March 2024, but the attempt was called off when the rocket lost roll control during its coast phase. Achieving a successful engine relight is vital for future missions, as it would allow Starship to conduct deorbit burns, facilitating its re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere and ensuring a safe landing.

This capability is crucial for maintaining stable and sustainable orbits, a necessary condition for missions involving satellite deployment, in-space refueling, and potentially interplanetary journeys. The upcoming trial will follow a suborbital path akin to that used in Starship’s previous flight on October 13, 2024. The rocket will accelerate to near-orbital velocities before gravity yanks it back into Earth’s atmosphere, where it will land in the Indian Ocean.

This flight path serves as a safeguard, ensuring that even in the event of a failed engine relight, the rocket will still return to a secluded ocean area, thereby minimizing risk.

#### Heat Shield Adjustments: Readying for Future Landings

Another noteworthy alteration for this test flight includes changes to Starship’s heat shield. SpaceX has taken off sections of heat shield tiles on both sides of the vehicle to evaluate new secondary thermal protection materials. These modifications are aimed at gathering information that will support future attempts to return Starship to land at SpaceX’s Starbase launch site in Texas.

In the near future, SpaceX intends to recover returning Starships using mechanical arms attached to the launch tower, similar to the successful recovery of the Super Heavy booster last month. This quick turnaround of both the Super Heavy booster and Starship is a fundamental aspect of SpaceX’s long-term strategy to lower the costs associated with space travel.

#### Daylight Reentry: Enhanced Visual Observations

A significant change in this flight is the launch timing. Unlike earlier Starship test flights that occurred in the morning, this mission’s 30-minute window opens at 4 p.m. CST (21:00 UTC). This adjustment means that Starship will reenter Earth’s atmosphere during daylight, facilitating better conditions for visual observations. Prior descents over the Indian Ocean took place at night, which made visual data collection challenging.

#### Super Heavy Booster: Targeting Another Successful Capture

The Super Heavy booster, which propels the initial stage of the Starship rocket, will also undergo extensive testing. The booster will detach from the upper stage approximately 2 minutes and 39 seconds after liftoff, at which point six Raptor engines on the Starship upper stage will ignite. The booster will then flip and ignite 13 of its engines to reverse its trajectory and head back to Starbase.

If the plan proceeds smoothly, the booster will execute a final landing burn and be captured by the mechanical arms of the launch tower. SpaceX successfully caught the Super Heavy booster on its initial attempt last month, but improvements were identified. For instance, a section of stainless steel from one of the booster’s chines—a minor aerodynamic feature—was lost during descent. This flight will assess hardware enhancements designed to bolster the booster’s structural integrity and optimize its propulsion systems.

#### Starship’s In-Space Navigation

Once in space, Starship will coast roughly a third of the way around the globe before attempting the Raptor engine relight about 38 minutes into the flight. Following this brief burn, the spacecraft will reorient itself to prepare for atmospheric reentry, utilizing its heat shield to guard against the extreme plasma heat generated during descent.

The flight is expected to conclude approximately 65 minutes after launch, with the craft changing from a belly-down orientation to a vertical stance. Its Raptor engines will ignite one final time to slow descent for a controlled splashdown.

#### A Milestone for Starship

This test flight marks a pivotal moment for SpaceX’s Starship program. It is the final flight of the initial generation of Starship, referred to as V1, and occurs just five weeks following the most recent test. SpaceX aims to conduct up to 25 Starship flights next year, making it imperative to reduce the turnaround time between missions.

A successful in-space engine relight will permit Starship to engage in prolonged orbital operations, an essential requirement for deploying larger payloads such as Starlink satellites and

DOJ Allegedly Aims to Require Sale of Google Chrome and Separate Android

# Removing Google’s Control of Chrome: A Vital Move to Disrupt Its Search Monopoly?

Google Chrome, the leading web browser worldwide, is utilized by more than 61% of internet users across the globe. However, this dominance has sparked worries among regulators and competitors, especially concerning its function in sustaining Google’s search monopoly. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has reportedly concluded that restricting Google’s control over Chrome might be essential to create a fair environment for competitors and dismantle the tech titan’s hold on the search market.

## DOJ’s Initiative for Chrome Sale

Sources referenced by Bloomberg indicate that the DOJ is gearing up to request a court order for Google to divest Chrome. This action is part of a larger plan to break down Google’s supremacy in the search engine sector. The DOJ’s antitrust litigation against Google, which has been in progress for several years, contends that Google’s oversight of search and its associated offerings suppresses competition and hampers innovation.

Alongside the potential sale of Chrome, the DOJ is anticipated to suggest various other solutions. These could include:

– **Data Licensing Obligations**: Google might be obligated to license specific data to its competitors, ensuring that they can access crucial information needed to compete effectively in the search sector.
– **Advertiser Transparency**: Google could be mandated to enhance transparency regarding ad placements, allowing advertisers greater control and insight into their campaigns.
– **AI and Android Regulations**: The DOJ may impose limitations on Google’s utilization of user data for artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives and its Android mobile operating system. These rules are designed to prevent Google from amassing data that could provide it with an unfair edge in both the search and AI arenas.

Interestingly, the DOJ will not advocate for Google to divest Android, which was seen as a more drastic measure. Instead, the DOJ is likely to propose that Google “uncouple” Android from its other services, such as search and the Google Play app store, which are presently interconnected.

## Google’s Reaction

Google is expected to contest any decision that compels it to implement substantial alterations to its operations. Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, criticized the DOJ’s strategy, claiming that the government is advancing a “radical agenda” that transcends the legal matters involved. Mulholland cautioned that such actions could adversely affect consumers, developers, and American leadership in technology.

Supporters of Google contend that the DOJ’s suggested solutions may not withstand judicial scrutiny. Adam Kovacevich, CEO of the tech industry organization Chamber of Progress, noted that similar sweeping remedies were dismissed in the Microsoft antitrust case of 2001. He posited that the push for severe actions, like the divestiture of Chrome, may stem more from personal ambition than legal necessity.

## The Possible Effects of a Chrome Sale

Should the DOJ succeed in compelling Google to sell Chrome, the browser market could experience considerable shifts. Competitors such as Safari, Firefox, Brave, DuckDuckGo, and Microsoft’s Edge may thrive on a more equitable playing field. With Chrome no longer part of the Google ecosystem, these browsers might have a clearer path to increasing their market presence.

Nevertheless, some experts express doubt about whether users would genuinely gain from the DOJ’s proposed solutions. Tech journalist Cory Doctorow has raised alarms over the DOJ’s intention to require Google to share its click and query data with competitors. Doctorow warns that this could lead to a “privacy Chernobyl,” as the private data users provide to search engines could be misused if it lands in the wrong hands.

Doctorow suggests that instead of enabling broader surveillance through data sharing, regulators should concentrate on minimizing the volume of data Google collects in the first place. He advocates for the elimination of a substantial portion of Google’s data pool, which numerous rivals have testified is a significant obstacle to competing in the search arena.

## Political Influence and the Incoming Administration’s Position

The DOJ’s suggested remedies are not finalized. States involved in the case are still contemplating their own recommendations, and the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump could disrupt the DOJ’s agenda. During his campaign, Trump voiced worries that dismantling Google might “destroy” a corporation highly regarded for its economic contributions to the U.S.

Damian Rollison, a market insights director for SOCI, an AI platform aimed at enhancing search outcomes, believes that the Trump administration may overturn many of the DOJ’s ongoing initiatives. However, if the DOJ does succeed in enforcing a Chrome divestiture, it could mark the first significant blow against Google’s market dominance in its 26-year trajectory.

## Conclusion: A Critical Turning Point for Google’s Future

The DOJ’s effort to dismantle Google’s control over Chrome represents an audacious initiative that could transform the technological landscape. While some contend that such decisive actions are essential to promote competition and innovation, others caution that the proposed remedies could lead to unintended results, particularly concerning user privacy.