Starting with Windows 8, Microsoft has been working toward a common graphical user interface across all devices (desktop, laptop, tablet, phone, and game console). So far it seems the company is headed in the right direction, but there is one problem, though, there is more than one app ecosystem when there should only be one unify app platform for Windows, Windows RT, Windows Phone, and Xbox.
Now a shift may be in works, according to Terry Myerson, head of Microsoft’s operating system division, suggested at the financial analyst meeting on Thursday that the company will soon unify all app platforms under one roof. This basically means that developers will be able to create one app what will work on all devices from the smallest to biggest screen, no matter where you install it.
Write once, run everywhere.
“[…] we really should have one silicon interface for all of our devices” and “We should have one set of developer APIs on all of our devices.” Terry said.
This does not only makes sense from the point of view where customers can expect to use an app on Windows 8.1 and they can resume what they were doing on a phone with every app, but it will also simplify programming code for developers. Today programmers have to use several APIs to create apps and services, and with this new model there will be only one set of APIs for all devices. Basically, this is how it should had been from day one, but at least now we know is coming.
Speaking about apps, one of the big problems for Microsoft getting market share on mobile has been that Windows Phone and Windows RT don’t have a common store, even though both type of devices run on ARM-based processors. Once again, this might change soon as Mr. Myerson also suggested that unifying the stores is a possibility.
“Windows RT was our first ARM tablet(sic). And as phones extend into tablets, expect us to see many more ARM tablets, Windows ARM tablets in the future.”
Via Neowin
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].