Microsoft Teases Cellular PCs

These days, we're always connected thanks to our smartphones; if Wi-Fi cuts out, we can continue tweeting and snapping thanks to cellular connections.

On laptops, however, it's not always as easy. If Wi-Fi is unavailable, we're often forced to carry mobile hotspots or purchase separate mobile contracts for LTE-connected devices through a carrier. But going forward, Microsoft wants PC makers to include eSIM technology that will make it easier to connect to the Web on Windows 10 devices.

"We will enable our partners to build always-connected devices without hindering form factor design," Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the Windows and devices group, wrote in a blog post. "Specifically, partners can take advantage of eSIM technology to build devices without an exposed SIM slot, making it easier for people to activate a data plan right on their device."

Those with these machines can then purchase data from the Windows Store for easy Internet access on the go. Some Windows 10 PCs already have SIMs, but they're few and far between; a link to the Windows Store will also simplify the process of getting connected.

Whether PC makers install that technology and carriers sign on remains to be seen. Two years ago, for example, the then-new iPads included SIM cards that, in theory, would allow you to jump from carrier to carrier with a few taps. But Verizon opted not to support those SIMs and AT&T locked them to its network after you signed up for a month of service. Devices sent to Sprint and T-Mobile stores, meanwhile, were configured for those carriers, making the whole process rather convoluted.

Also today, Qualcomm and Microsoft announced they're going to be able to run real Windows 10, including Win32 emulation for older desktop applications, on Qualcomm's ARM-based Snapdragon processors in the second half of 2017.