Widows 10 will let iOS and Android apps work on Windows devices
One of the big reveals at Build 2015 was that Microsoft’s forthcoming new operating system, Windows 10, will be able to run reworked Android and iOS apps. Microsoft predicted Windows 10 will run on 1bn devices within three years.
Microsoft harbours ambitions to make Windows 10 a universal platform that will run the full gamut of device sizes and types thanks to a UX that adapts to different screen sizes and an entity called o that allows apps to transition seamlessly between smartphone, tablets and PCs.
A key development, however, was how Microsoft is opening up its new Windows OS to universal apps by enabling iOS and Android developers to port their apps and games directly to Windows.
Microsoft last night released two new software development kits.
In terms of Android, Microsoft is enabling developers to use Java and C++ code on Windows 10.
iOS developers will be able to take advantage of existing Objective C code.
Windows 10: one OS to rule them all?
“Windows has always embraced a variety of technologies to build apps,” said Terry Myerson, Microsoft’s VP in charge of operating systems. “At Build last year, we detailed our support for open source and popular middleware partners, open sourced .NET, and announced native Cordova support in Visual Studio.
“Today, we announced four new SDKs, enabling developers to start with an existing code base, integrate with the Universal Windows Platform capabilities, and then distribute their new application through the Windows Store to the one billion Windows 10 devices. The code bases enabled by these SDKs are: web sites, .NET and Win32, Android Java/C++ and iOS Objective C.
“Today, we announced that Adobe will bring their Photoshop Elements and Premier Elements apps to the Windows Store, leveraging the new SDK for Win32 applications. We look forward to more of the current 16 million Win32 applications growing their distribution through the Windows Store.
“Today, we also shared that King has already used the Objective C SDK to bring Candy Crush Saga to Windows Phone. The app came to market quickly with very few code modifications, and has earned a 4.5 average rating,” Myerson said.
