Microsoft is working on Windows Shell that works on desktops, Xbox and phones

According to a new rumor, Microsoft is working on a Windows Shell that will be the same on all Windows products, including smartphones, tablets, desktops, the Hololens and the Xbox consoles. The same Shell would be easier to maintain and add new features.

Microsoft is working on the project under the name Composable Shell or CSHELL, claims Windows Central based on its own resources. The site only focuses on everything that has to do with Microsoft’s operating systems and is usually well informed about developments around Windows. Microsoft has not yet responded to the rumor.

By merging the various Shells for smartphones, desktop and Xbox, among others, the development for Windows Shell should become easier. Windows 10 devices already share many elements, including OneCore and Universal Windows Apps, but the Shell is still separate.

The Composable Shell should become part of the operating system within the next few Windows releases, Windows Central says. It is not clear when exactly that will happen.

Presumably Microsoft wants to merge all Shells, because it wants to blur the lines between the various devices. For example, recent Windows 10 Mobile phones can already act as desktops via Continuum and Microsoft enables emulation of x86 apps on ARM. That offers the possibility to make smartphones that can run win32 programs.