Microsoft’s Panos Panay on Windows: It’s going to be a massive year

Microsoft’s annual IT and developer conference kicked off on March 2, and Surface and Windows chief Panos Panay made an interesting remark about what we can expect from Microsoft for the rest of this year during a pre-recorded session at the event.

With big updates for Windows 10 and the next-generation Windows 10X operating system rumored to be on the horizon, Panay suggested to viewers that “it is going to be a massive year.”

Although the majority of Panos Pany’s appearance was focused on innovations for commercial users of Windows 10, Panay did spend the bulk of one segment talking about the current state of Windows. The executive seemed to acknowledge the hype in the community after recent leaks surrounding Windows 10X.

“Look, I have not talked about the next generation of Windows and what’s coming next, but I can tell you I am so pumped” said Panay.

This is the first time we’ve heard Panay mention the next generation of Windows. So far in 2021, Microsoft has only talked about Windows 10 21H1, the first major update for Windows 10 this year. It’s a bit smaller in scope and rumored to be setting the stage for a “Sun Valley” update that might bring a major redesign to the operating system.

Since the Ignite conference has long been centered around IT professionals, Microsoft’s partners, and developers, Panay instead pointed that now isn’t really the best time to talk about what’s next for Windows. Though he didn’t mention it at all, Panay could likely appear at another Microsoft news event later this month. Rumor has it that it could be catered toward consumers and the billions of people who are using Windows.

“We’re not talking about that today, and I totally get it, because we have so much right now. I know that the future of Windows is incredible, what we’re bringing to the table for sure, but ultimately, we’re here today to talk about Windows 10,” said Panay.

there's not going to be a lot of Windows news at Ignite this week. There's a session with @panos_panay, but Microsoft is planning to hold a dedicated Windows press event soon

— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) March 2, 2021

In ending the segment, Panos remarked to viewers that “it’s going to be a massive year, it’s going to be a massive year. Thank you, Thank you.”

A full replay of his segment is available on the Microsoft Ignite webpage or by scrolling back in the Microsoft Ignite live feed on YouTube.

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