See Windows 10 Mobile running on an Android handset

Windows 10 Mobile
Looking good

A couple of weeks ago we heard that Microsoft was sending a Windows 10 ROM to a select group of Xiaomi Mi 4 owners, allowing them to get the mobile version of the OS up and running on the otherwise Android smartphone.

Now inevitably it's been filmed in action and if the video shared by Windows Blog Italia is anything to go by it looks surprisingly slick and impressive, especially for a non-final version of software running on hardware designed for Android.

The software is the same technical preview of Windows 10 Mobile which can be installed on Windows Phone handsets and using it completely replaces Android on the Xiaomi Mi 4, but the video suggests that the new software makes for a fairly smooth experience.

Offering Windows 10 Mobile on Android could be a great way for Microsoft to get more exposure for its operating system.

Forward-thinking

Users who make the software switch will be tied into Microsoft's apps and services, which can only be a good thing for the Redmond company and it may even inspire some Android users to make the switch to Windows Phone hardware.

Of course for now it's a limited trial, but that allows Microsoft to gauge user's reactions to the software and iron out any issues, so it's entirely possible that wider availability could be planned down the line.

For now though unless you're one of the lucky few invited to take part in the trial you'll have to make do with the video.

James Rogerson

James is a freelance phones, tablets and wearables writer and sub-editor at TechRadar. He has a love for everything ‘smart’, from watches to lights, and can often be found arguing with AI assistants or drowning in the latest apps. James also contributes to 3G.co.uk, 4G.co.uk and 5G.co.uk and has written for T3, Digital Camera World, Clarity Media and others, with work on the web, in print and on TV.