Microsoft Windows Lite may arrive later this year

We've heard some rumors about a light version of Windows last year and now The Verge reports that devices with Windows Lite could launch as early as later this year. The software giant reportedly stripped Windows to make a light-weight version for dual-screen devices and Google Chromebook rivals.

Windows Lite will reportedly be more of a blend of with the software firm does with its Surface Hub shell and the limited functionality of the Windows Phone Continuum user interface.

“Windows Lite,” as it’s codenamed internally, is a more stripped-down version of Windows that is initially being prioritized for dual-screen devices. Intel has been pushing OEMs to create this new hardware category, and machines could appear much like Microsoft’s Courier concept, dual-screen laptops, or even foldable displays in the future. Either way, Microsoft wants Windows to be ready for PC makers to take advantage of it.

The initial version is aimed at dual-screen devices, but the longer-term plan is to compete against Chromebook.

You can see a mockup of Windows Lite below. The Verge claims the mockup is an accurate representation of how Windows Lite looks right now, but points out the user interface could look significantly different by the time Windows Lite hits the market.