Who Needs a Desktop? Not You, Not Anymore – Explore the World of ThinkPhone and Windows 365 Cloud PC

In the early 2010s, Microsoft and Nokia embarked on a strategic partnership to disrupt the smartphone market, blending Nokia's robust hardware with Microsoft's innovative Windows Phone operating system. The era was marked by the Lumia series, which stood out for its sleek design and integration with the Windows ecosystem. A significant highlight of this collaboration was the introduction of Continuum, a groundbreaking feature that transformed a Windows Phone into a desktop computing environment when connected to external peripherals. Despite its cool features, like Continuum, we all know that it didn't quite make the splash it hoped to in the big tech pond. Continuum is still documented here.

Beyond Continuum: The New Era of Cloud-Powered Windows Mobility

After the earlier chapter of innovation and ambition with Windows Phone and Continuum, the tech landscape is once again witnessing the resurgence of running Windows from a mobile device, albeit with a transformative twist. This time, the concept evolves from local operation to a cloud-based one, thanks to the advent of Windows 365 Cloud PC. Unlike its predecessor, where the Windows experience was tethered to the device's hardware capabilities and limited application support, Windows 365 Cloud PC liberates the operating system, allowing it to reside and operate in the cloud.

This leap forward means that users can now access a full-fledged Windows desktop from virtually anywhere, using devices as compact and mobile as the Motorola ThinkPhone. When connected to an external display, keyboard, and mouse, this setup transcends the conventional boundaries of mobile computing. Productivity is no longer confined to the physical constraints of local hardware; instead, it's elevated into the cloud, offering unparalleled flexibility and power.

This new chapter is not just a technological evolution; it's a paradigm shift in how we perceive and interact with our computing environments. Windows 365 Cloud PC represents the culmination of lessons learned from the past, harnessing the power of cloud computing to deliver a seamless, integrated experience that promises to redefine productivity and mobility. The vision that once started with Continuum has now expanded into a broader, more versatile horizon, promising a future where your workspace is not just portable, but also as limitless as the cloud itself.

Windows 365 on Thinkphone

I recently had the exciting opportunity to get my hands on a Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola, a big shout out to Eric van Klaveren and Ilse Wathion at Microsoft for making this possible. My journey with this device began at Microsoft Ignite, where I participated in a challenge, winning the ThinkPhone as my prize.

In this exploration, I'm going to walk you through how I've configured the ThinkPhone as a robust Android device managed using Intune, specifically as a Corporate-owned device with a work profile. While I won't delve into the nitty-gritty details of configuring Android in Intune—there are plenty of excellent resources out there for that—I will focus on demonstrating how this device can be transformed into a powerful tool by connecting to your Windows 365 Cloud PC.

The ThinkPhone

While I won't be diving into a full unboxing and comprehensive review of the ThinkPhone, it's worth highlighting that this device is distinctly crafted with a business perspective in mind. At this price point (around 600 euros) the overall build quality positively surprised me. The package arrives complete, not skimping on essentials – it includes a robust 65W USB-C charger, a USB-C cable, and even a protective case, ensuring you have everything you need right out of the box.

When it comes to design and build, the ThinkPhone doesn't disappoint. The back boasts a sophisticated carbon-like texture, adding to its premium feel and visual appeal. Holding the device, you immediately sense its high-quality craftsmanship, positioning it comfortably alongside top-tier Android devices such as the Samsung S23.

In terms of camera capabilities, the ThinkPhone sports a triple-lens system. While the cameras are competent, it's clear that photography isn't this phone's primary mission. The image quality is serviceable, but for those whose priority is professional-grade photography, it's fair to note that capturing photos isn't the centerpiece of this device.

One distinctive feature that immediately stands out is the red side button, a nostalgic nod to the iconic red TrackPoint button found on Lenovo ThinkPad laptops. This design choice not only adds a touch of ThinkPad heritage to the ThinkPhone but also enhances its functionality, you can configure various shortcuts to actions.

Specs:

• Operating System -?Android? 13
• Processor -?Snapdragon? 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform
• Display Size -?6.6" pOLED Display, 144Hz refresh
• Resolution -?FHD+ (2400 x 1080) | 402ppi
• Internal Storage -?256GB

Further specifications can be found here.

The Enrollment

I'll walk you through the enrollment process of the ThinkPhone, showcasing its Android-based setup. I've included some screenshots to give you a clear glimpse of what to expect. The enrollment is based on a Corporate-owned devices with work profile deployment. I started the enrollment by tapping 6 times on the welcome screen, this will start the camera so you can scan the QR code which can be provided by your organisation (many of the Android onboarding options when using Intune).

The Windows 365 Experience

Now that the device has been setup, we can start using Windows 365 Cloud PC from the ThinkPhone. Lenovo cleverly harnessed the potential of the Moto Connect app to facilitate the connection of external devices. This app comes with an essential feature: native support for Windows 365. In the absence of official Android and iOS apps from Microsoft for Windows 365 Cloud PC, the Moto Connect app stands out as the premier option for achieving a smooth, integrated connection with your Windows 365 Cloud PC. Essentially, Lenovo has provided a smart workaround that ensures users can enjoy a seamless bridge to their cloud-based Windows environment until a direct solution from Microsoft becomes available.

Check out the video below to get a real feel for the experience. Watch as I demonstrate the seamless integration of the ThinkPhone with Windows 365 Cloud PC.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Lenovo's solution for accessing Windows 365 Cloud PC through the ThinkPhone is impressively smooth, reflecting a thoughtful integration of mobile and cloud computing. The experience is particularly striking when the phone is docked to a USB-C hub, effectively transforming it into an exceptional "thin client" that combines mobility with robust computing power. Moreover, the ThinkPhone itself stands out as an excellent Android device, offering remarkable value for its specifications and build quality.

Looking ahead, the potential for an even more seamless connection to Windows 365 is on the horizon. With Microsoft actively working on releasing native Windows 365 apps for Android as well as iOS/iPadOS, the integration is poised to become more intuitive and fluid.

Additionally, it's worth noting that accessing your Windows 365 Cloud PC isn't exclusive to the ThinkPhone. Users of other Android devices, as well as those on iOS and iPadOS, can also connect to their Cloud PC via the RD Client app. While this method provides a practical alternative, it's important to recognize that the user experience might not be as polished as it will be once Microsoft rolls out the official Windows 365 apps. Nevertheless, until those native apps are available, using the RD Client offers a valuable and functional interim solution for connecting to your Windows 365 Cloud PC across different platforms.