With the release of Windows 10 set for July 29th, Microsoft has begun to prepare Windows app developers for the transition to the proper version of Windows 10, and to further cement the importance of the new Universal Windows Platform. The new platform will allow developers to design essentially one app for both Windows and Windows Phone (and Xbox One and HoloLens and even Microsoft Band).
In a new post on their Building Apps for Windows blog, Microsoft reveals plans to ship Windows 10 developer tools for Visual Studio 2015 along with the release of Windows 10, which will allow developers to build Universal Apps and submit them to the Windows Store.
Starting this month, Windows Insiders will be given more previews of the Windows 10 SDK more often, with the intent being to pair an SDK update with each Windows 10 Preview update. New versions of the Windows 10 Mobile emulator are also expected to launch alongside any preview versions of Windows 10 SDK.
Each version of the preview SDK will install side-by-side the official Windows 10 tooling for Visual Studio 2015 which will allow developers to test and preview apps in whichever version of the operating system they choose.
Developers are reminded that while apps designed for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 should work by default in Windows 10, these tools should be used to test for any unforeseen bugs or loss of functionality that could occur in the OS upgrade.
At Build 2015, Microsoft announced four Universal Windows Platform Bridges, programs that will basically allow developers to create apps for the Universal Windows Platform by converting content made for other operating systems. Project Westminster, which allows developers to create a Universal App from a website’s content, is already available though the programs allowing the conversion of Android, classic Windows platform code and iOS apps (Project Astoria, Project Centennial and Project Islandwood respectively) have yet to be given a release date though developers are encouraged to wait until this summer when more news will be announced.
Are you upgrading an existing app to the Universal Windows Platform or designing a new one from scratch? Are you planning to use one of the app converting projects? Share your thoughts and personal experience with others in the comments below.
