Windows 10 PC squeezed inside Quanta's Compute Plug

Quanta's Compute Plug is designed to be pushed directly into a power socket, has an HDMI port for TV connections and two USB sockets.

It is not the first such device. US chipmaker Marvell has promoted a range of similarly formed PCs since 2009.

But they are designed to work with the less processor-intensive Ubuntu OS.

To date, Marvell's "plug computers" ecosystem - which is targeted at schools and smart home enthusiasts - has had only niche appeal.

Fingerprint PC

Microsoft announced details about the new wi-fi enabled Windows device on its blog, indicating that it was designed to be cable-linked to a screen to turn it into a voice-controlled portable computer.

"The new Compute plug from Quanta is a mini PC and power adapter in one that can be plugged into any outlet and connected to a TV to turn it into a smart computer that can be controlled using Cortana via a Bluetooth remote or headset," it said.

The software-maker also showed off another unusual device made by Foxconn - a Taiwanese company which is best known for assembling other company's products.

The Kangaroo fits a Windows 10-powered PC into a box that resembles a portable hard disk drive fitted with a fingerprint reader on top. It also features a battery said to be capable of lasting six hours between charges.

Microsoft describes it as an "ultra-portable" computer that "can turn a TV into a full Windows 10 PC".

The US firm was unable to provide pricing or launch dates for the equipment, which it announced to coincide with the Computex trade show.

That casts a question mark over how widely they will be offered for sale.

But one analyst suggested they were a taste of things to come.

"Foxconn, Microsoft and Quanta aren't boasting about computing power with these devices - that's not the point," commented Peter Bryer from the consultancy CCS Insight.

"It's a matter of utility, enabling users to have specialised PCs scattered throughout the house.

"Windows 10 supports a wider set of devices, providing Microsoft with the flexibility to compete against more new shapes and sizes."

'Luggables to pluggables'

The new Windows OS is released as a completed build on 29 July, and will be free to existing Windows users and $119 (£78) to others for the basic version.

Based on the evidence of preview versions made available to for the public to test, some experts have suggested it might be a "buggy" experience, at least at first.

But those wishing to try out a tiny computer can already do so with other products already on the market.

Intel released its Compute Stick in April - an HDMI dongle that turns TVs into computers, which has both a USB port and an in-built MicroSD card reader.

It is sold pre-installed with a choice of either Windows 8.1 or Ubuntu.

Reviews, however, have complained that is is under-powered and "feels more like a proof-of-concept than a consumer device".

(BBC)