But one developer is hoping to offer a new lease on life for the very first Windows RT device, Microsoft's own Surface RT tablet. Over on XDA-Developers, 'black_blob' is publishing details of his project to create an unofficial Windows 10 Mobile ROM that can be installed on the first-gen RT device.
Speaking with FraWin.com, the developer said that he has found a 'flaw' in Secure Boot on the tablet, the firmware-level security feature designed to ensure that a device only boots using the trusted software approved by the manufacturer.
While he did not provide further details of the flaw, he said that it will enable the installation of other operating systems, including Windows 10 Mobile. He also noted that the nature of the flaw may also make it possible to install other non-Windows OSes, including Android.
For now, the project is a work-in-progress, although black_blob says that he's already successfully ported Windows Phone 8.1 to the Surface RT. Assuming the Windows 10 Mobile efforts prove successful - subject to further testing - the project aims to create a 'general' ROM for other Windows RT devices too.
Many thanks to Cassim Ketfi (@NotCassim) from FraWin for the heads-up!