The C++ version of Minecraft in question is literally called Windows 10 Edition, and as you might expect it and its derivatives like Minecraft Education Edition are Windows-only based on the announcements so far.
The Windows 10 version is based on the Pocket Edition. MCPE is written in C++, and is already cross-platform - it runs on smartphones, tablets and games consoles.
This doesn't mean the Education Edition will be cross-platform. It does mean that the fact that it's written in C++ doesn't prevent it from being cross-platform.
I'm not talking about it not technically able to be cross platform (because it's obviously already in opengl on the mobile platforms), I'm just saying Carmack better hope that Microsoft doesn't want to come out with a competing VR solution, otherwise (going by their track record), they might lock down his "grail" of running Minecraft in VR to running Minecraft in Xbox One VR or Windows 10 VR, or whatever.
Yep, here's hoping it stays that way. Although Occulus has already dropped support for Mac and Linux. They said it's just temporary. I really hope that's the case.
The Java binary can be run on any system for which a JVM exists. If Microsoft ports the entire thing to a native language like C++, we are at their mercy to provide binaries for non-windows systems.
I didn't say that either, I honestly couldn't give you an informed opinion on the subject. I just remember about 10-15 years ago when you'd be shot if even suggested using MSVC++, I wasn't aware that opinions had changed regarding it.
Well, if this new one is going to be closed-source... Then yes, we are at the mercy of Microsoft. We're going to have to deal with the C++ version lock-in, because it's going to be release compiled (and hard to de-compile)
Well, this is derived from the Windows 10 edition which is a version of the original C++ pocket edition code, and has cross platform multiplayer I believe, I'd be surprised if they don't come out with a Linux/Max version eventually.