After months of silence, Microsoft has now officially revealed it has canceled plans to offer developers bridge tools to port Android apps to Windows 10 Mobile, also known as "Project Astoria". Those plans were first revealed at the 2015 Build developer conference.
Microsoft announced Project Astoria alongside "Project Islandwood", which offered iOS app developers a way to port their creations to Windows 10 Mobile. Today, Microsoft stated:
"We received a lot of feedback that having two Bridge technologies to bring code from mobile operating systems to Windows was unnecessary, and the choice between them could be confusing. We have carefully considered this feedback and decided that we would focus our efforts on the Windows Bridge for iOS and make it the single Bridge option for bringing mobile code to all Windows 10 devices, including Xbox and PCs. For those developers who spent time investigating the Android Bridge, we strongly encourage you to take a look at the iOS Bridge and Xamarin as great solutions."
We previously reported that Project Astoria was not proceeding as planned and had been put on hold indefinitely before today's announcement.
Earlier this week, Microsoft announced its plans to acquire Xamarin, a company that has created tools for making mobile apps for iOS, Android and Windows that can share common code and thus be quickly released for all three platforms.
Source: Microsoft
Reader comments
Microsoft officially cancels 'Project Astoria' plans for porting Android apps to Windows 10 Mobile
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I would say its a good move to focus on only one platform.
Regards,
Chris | https://www.clouddesktoponline.com/
I would forgive all of WP's shortcomings if there would just be a CityMapper app. I'm on a 930 running latest W10 insider preview, and I'm on the fence about sticking with this OS mainly because it really lets me down when I need travel info. Here Transit is no substitute, it's awful. Apart from that, store has all the apps I actually need, though perhaps not the ones I want.
Keep it up Microsoft, you can do alot worse..I believe in you..:D
I used to have windows phones. I lobe the OS. I love the direction they are headed. But there is seriously not enough apps. I have a GS6 and could not go back until they have all my bank apps, better ig, amtrack, waze, official youtube that can broadcast to my smart tv, and there is just so much more.
Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
WP is irrelevant, time to move on people.
Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Big ******* mistake. The dev part - fine, but let us run APK's at least.
"We received a lot of feedback that having two Bridge technologies to bring code from mobile operating systems to Windows was unnecessary, and the choice between them could be confusing."
LOL. Sure, MS, sure.
The Android "bridge" is NOT redundant. It worked more or less out of the box, bringing apps to Windows more or less instantly, while Islandwood will require a lot of action on the dev side. I know 6 different iOS shops, no one has a single instance of Windows running. None of them has plans to support Windows. This is nothing short of a rock-solid disaster, and MSFT is getting notorious for making the wrong choices.
This is unfortunate. Astoria was one of the things I was most excited about with Windows 10. It would only be confusing to stupid people to have both iOS and Android available. And do we really want stupid people using computers more than they already do? It is after all what has made the iPhone so popular. Flashing, overpriced, catering to the needs of dumbed-down consumers
Personally I don't understand why people are so insistent on banking apps. Is it really that hard to type in a web address? Really having an app only removes the need to do that, and nothing really else
This is a good move. Make the iOS bridge work and the Android bridge becomes redundant anyway.
The only thing I'm missing from my 1520 is snap chat and hangouts.
Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
This decision is not as innocent as it appears. This abolishment is actually one of the prerequisites set by Google in order to support OFFICIALLY Windows Mobile. Expect announcements about official Google apps in the coming days.
I personally prefer iOS apps over Android apps, and most apps are released on iOS first before launching on Android anyways.
THANK GOD!
Microsoft needs to make the UWP run on Android and iOs too (and eventually Unix based systems, like OS X and Linux). We would then have the dream of any developper come true: One code base for every major platform (including windows, hehe). Actually, I'm guessing that's why they bought Xamarin.
Great... The App I was looking forward the most getting ported over to WP isn't available to iOS either - Now what? xD
Exactly what I wanted. Now MS should just work hard on its other tools.
Bt how can we port IOS apps to windows 10?????
Then c# and c++ will become at the top because it can run to all platforms.
In a few weeks. Inslandwood... Then centennial.. And finally.. As the verge says, farewell windows phone
I'm not sure why people are cheering on that this project is dead. There is now one less choice for developers which equals less apps for users.
iOS ports may be of higher quality, but as some have stated, there are apps that are only found on Android.
The main good thing that could come out of the situation is an increased development focus on Islandwood and Windows 10 mobile due to workforce reassignments.
Also, I think this move may turn some devs off. Wasn't there a developer mentioned on a WC article who were porting a fitness app with Astoria? If I remember correctly, they were nearly done and mainly waiting for the official release with Astoria support.
Exactly... Why ppl cant understand ..??
If we have both what's the problem ?? And moreover we need apps.. Some apps are not there in iOS also..however it is .. Apps are required.. As a statement "SOMETHING IS BETTER THAN NOTHING " we need Android apps also.. I'm not happy about this..
sorry. dumb decision. the Astoria potential far out weighed anything with ios.
iOS is far more better than any Mobile platform because its well developed and it had time to do it!! But I still love windows phone!! Only thing I love about iPhone is its app stability
Thank goodness they cancelled this idea or Microsoft would have ended up like BlackBerry.
And again, denial will see some hidden strategic advantage to it. Noticeably he showed similar positives when the program was announced.
I should've known... Yeahhh I guessed it in the early days that MS would finally announce it's cancellation
Almost all apps of Android are on iOS. So there was no need of another bridge.
You'll soon come to know about this.
No apps no games... Decades and decades of delay.. Goanna shift to iphone next week... The latest one...he heeee
So jealous.
Microsoft just doesn't get it. No developer wants to learn c-sharp just so that the handful of people that still have a Windows Phone can have an app. They are going to stick with what they already know. What a waste of money.
Stupid Decision !!!
So still no chance that the adequately functional Android OneNote could be ported to W10M to replace the miserable stump of an app there, dang.
boom!
My guess is that security, google, legal, and negative feedback was the real reason behind this cancelation
I think I posted this yesterday on the Xamarin article, but I would love for them to make it so that you could use Islandwood to port an app, then use Xamarin to turn the ported app into a truly Universal app (UWP, Android, and iOS). This would probably grab quite a bit of attention from developers, as you would be able to create a single code base, without having to start from scratch (which is what you currently have to do with solutions like Xamarin). If they end up doing this, than tossing out Astoria definitely isn't an issue, because an emulation based "bridge" (quotes because it wasn't really a bridge, in my opinion) would be fairly useless.
All in all, I’m not surprised by this move, as I wasn’t a fan of Astoria to begin with. It just seemed like a rather lazy way of handling porting Android apps. I almost feel like they wanted to test the waters with two approaches: emulation and code conversion/porting, then determine which one the masses preferred. Regardless though, Astoria is best off in the recycling bin, as it would have discouraged native development (personal opinion).
The masses were not asked. If they asked, most people would choose the almost instant app support by Astoria. UWP are nothing at the moment, and a host of business crap will not change anything.
Well here is where Microsoft finally shot windows phone in the head after years of slowly cutting it's limbs off.
Great, that means they are going to focus on the ios bridge and bring the apps faster... Not.
I think it's good move! Now I need a real replacement for Lumia 925, just put better processer 2gb ram bigger battery with same resolution amoled 5inch screen
Took these damn idiots all that time to figure it out after so long, Microsoft is packed with old dumb retards who don't know their a s s from there head!
This will kill a bit of momentum. Instead of devs being able to just upload an APK, they're going to have to actually convert and test code. This means actual work that companies will have to schedule for, regardless of the fact that it only takes 5 minutes using the iOS bridge.
Good, I don't need buggy apps which are Android's. With iOS only porting option, we are guaranteed better quality ported apps.
Hahaha, they should be actually able to port the apps!
Wait where did they get the feedback that most don't want Android bridge because it's unnecessary? Is this an excuse or something?
The excuse is BS, no question. But it gets them where they need to be so I'll bet no one will really scrutinize it too closely.
This makes total sense. You really only need one for the platform that most devs build apps for first.
Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Not a big deal actually, the problem is that so far i don't see any IOS exclusive app arriving on Windows Phone at the moment, i hope IOS developers will start using this tool rather sooner than later
Maybe MS realized how unsupportive Google is, and that iOS actually kind of welcome WP.
I don't understand who are these confusing people. They made us loose the onedrive placeholders and now this. Maybe Microsoft should get feedback from more intelligent people.
Let's hope they don't get it from this forum then, shall we?
They will do better if they take feedback from anywhere that they are getting today.
Well, too bad they hyped it up and showed it off then. I do understand. I just REALLY ******* HOPE Islandwood works out then.
People here talk like Astoria and Islandwood are basically the same thing. They are not. Islandwood is a TOOL that allows converting iOS apps to Windows apps with some/alot of work still required. Astoria was basically an emulator or a piece of Android built into Windows Phone to run Android Apps. In other words, Astoria required no work fromt he developer and more importantly, allowed for the possibility of sideloading or using other app stores (like Amazon). This news while expected is still terrible and it certainly means that Windows Phone will never have the niche apps like banking, libraries etc. available. Those developers will not care about Windows enough to go through the trouble of porting an iOS app. The PC already has their websites and there are basically no users on windows Phone. After losing WebOS, I believe WIndows Phone is done for mere consumers like me. Carriers don't even sell Windows Phones in Canada anymore.
THANK YOU!! I know this might not be popular to say, but I blame a certain developer (who is cast in a good light over here) who is making a living off of hacking the API for some popular social app (or something with a backend), creating a very nice app around that hacked API, and then selling to Win 10 Mobile folks (additionally I suppose he also goes out and tries to sell his work to the third party).
Behind the scenes (in MS MVP lists, etc) I have heard that he was not happy with Project Astoria because the real version of an app could come to Windows 10 Mobile.. essentially cutting off his ability to continue to make money. From what I heard he was extremely critical of this technology citing that we would get crappy apps which have a poor UI in light of the other apps on the platform.
From my perspective, I want the banking apps back (getting stupid stuff like Snapchat would be good too, even though I could care less about that). I would have loved if MS would have allowed Astoria to continue, BUT that they would be very selective who they let publish apps this way..
In other words.. kill the Astoria Bridge for the general population of programmers, but keep it around (for sideloading possibly and) to be able to offer to allow certain critical apps in (again I look at things like bank apps). It appeared to be heading down the path of zero work for the end developer that is for sure (and for sure it was way less work than the IOS bridge).
Well, this doesn't really hit as a surprise. Only thing we see from Microsoft lately is disappointment. People, my suggestion is to change the platform and just sit back and see if it gets any better with Windows. Do not spend a fortune for the Windows 10 flagships cause they are crap at the moment, unless u wanna rock them as a side phone. Although,honestly I don't think Microsoft can do better than Nokia and they had a really hard time with the OS.
Nice move, iOS apps are way more premium and unique, in fact, many Android apps are ported from their iOS counterparts. I'd love to see iOS apps running on Windows 10 Mobile.
Posted from Windows Central for Windows 10
Microsoft is a big company. Why not keep astoria for the short term so apps can be quick ported straight across from Android and apple port for more native porting to universal apps. Choice is good surely?
Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Well as long as they get the iOS ones going it won't matter. They are pretty much on par with each other anyway. When the apps, the good ones, the coveted ones, start flooding in so will the consumers. And probably I'll be back in the mix as well.
One picture at a time -- LG V10
Whatever happens, we need apps, we needed them 2 years ago, we need them now. This platform will fail if we don't get them. One reason we don't get apps is because business think we should just use the web to access their content. Well edge sucks and it's not the same experience as a good app. Perfect example is banking apps. Chase shut theirs down and said W8 users should just use the website via phone browser. Well the browser can't scan a check. They said "well just drive to the branch".
Hand on face... Seriously. Fortunately my wife has a Droid...... with a Chase app.
This is essentially what you get for choosing an unpopular OS. I used Linux exclusively for years and it was the same nonsense you see here, the same idiotic optimism about the next year and the same stagnation. I felt a little better about Linux though, since it was open source, free and all of that. With Windows phone, I gained absolutely nothing but hipster points for using something most people don't know even exists.
Well that's good. Project Islandwood is better and was from the beginning. While I love Android you can not deny the superiority of iOS applications.
Posted via the Windows Central Beta App for my Lumia 950 XL
Great move! Now they can put all efforts into the iOS bridge and Win32 bridge. With their recent acquistion, we may see Android apps later... but iOS and Win32 are way more important and the better choice at this point.
Xamarin will probably be the base for the next evolution in universal apps. Code on a Microsoft base and run on everything (Ios, Linux, OSX, BSD etc.)
Sent from my Windows 10 PC.
Win32 bridge IMO doesn't cover the mobile side. iOS will not run on desktop. How is that helpful? Until MSFT gets its act together, Google will support RemixOS and kill Windows as a consumer OS.
Ok, that is fine...now open the bridge so the apps start floating to users.
Just let a high end phone run bluestacks LOL
Smart decision
Why did we need two projects anyway? I mean android and ios have roundabout the same amount of apps, right?
I commented on this below, but the reason why Astoria was important is because it ran the ACTUAL Android app (no work needed by the developer). If the developer didn't make a Windows Phone App, the Android app could be side-loaded. In my opinion that was the only hope for apps on W10 mobile.
Wow, the news just keep getting better
Just update all Microsoft apps on Android to be on Paris with windows 10 and iOS so I can just retire my Lumia phones and stick to Android because I'm not going to apple
Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Too crap microsoft
both my Galaxy S Duos(running unofficial Cyanogenmod 11) and Xperia E4 can run most of the apps perfect and they dont have more than 1gb
I get that they are having technical problems with the Android emulator subsystem, but it's still a bad idea to kill it off completely. They could have just gotten rid of that part and made it look like the iOS bridge. There are markets in the world where iOS has a negligible market share, and this makes it less likely that those people will see Win 10 Mobile apps from local companies.
Yes focus on one bridge and make it great. All app are on IOS anyways so we shouldn't miss anything remarkable. If this works out there really shouldn't be any reasons apps shouldn't start comming in. Fingers crossed.
This makes sense to me since iOS has the most profitable app store and therefore the best selection of apps. There are very few noteworthy apps exclusive to Android, so I don;t see this as a loss.
Praise be! This is an amazing move. Very few developers are avoiding Windows and Apple just to target Android. Same as vice versa for Apple. I'll miss some of the underground apk porting though
Why are we so content with IOS ports. Why cant MS do everything possible to win the same devs? As a WP fan, I would much rather see native WP apps. Yeah, I know its just a dream.
Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
So wasn't Astoria android emulation while the others were code porting? I always wondered why that was the case? Doesn't take a genius to know that emulation brings its own set of issues.
Good, the Android apps tend to be poorly coded and overheat the phones...And I don't want a "force Close" option on my Windows phone
They really need swift not objective c only everybody is using swift now in most cases well that why Astoria was solid no worrying about other languages and Microsoft supporting them....yeah ok
Ok, good second step Microsoft. The first being the purchase of Xamarin.
The hope is that Microsoft will not take 2 years to get Xamarin into shape to be a true write once compile and deploy on Android, iOS and Windows.
Oh and Microsoft please make Xamarin free!
Yes!
Cancelling a bridge to no man's land. No big loss.
Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Xamarin, save us all.
No destroy
Posted via the Windows Central Beta App for my Lumia 950 XL
Good decision
I'm not a developer, but from what I understand islandwood will port apps as universal apps, Astoria was only for mobile apps
Smart move, waste of resources/investment having two bridges.
Also, given iOS is much more closed environment than Andriod, its probably less complicated to port iOS to WM than Android.
Additionally, I think quality of apps on iOS is better than that of Android.
Lol... Gone windows, Microsoft is in doom... They couldn't pull off bl*ody fuc*ing Microsoft
Yeah good...dont need android bugs..ios apps way better...hope developers port soon...
Posted from Windows Central for Windows 10 mobile limited edition Lumia 950 red leather with gold rim
I’ve heard that Project Islandwood creates a product that is by-in-large a one time edit. In other words it is not the basis for continued development on Windows Mobile and is a short cut of a port.
If that is in fact the case, it cannot be terribly appealing to developers.
Xamarin may be a better long term solution. The bridges as extant, don’t appear so functional.
While it would be a great opportunity for even more development options, I can't say that I could find anything else wrong with their decision. It would be much easier to focus in on one mobile bridge rather than two since 99% of apps that are available for one are available for the other.
Quality over quantity. It's one thing many companies have failed at in the past. I mean, look at a good portion of the "official" apps that were released for Windows Phone but were total garbage, got bad reviews and then the company pulled out because nobody used their apps. Focusing in on one bridge will allow them to make better apps.
We keep saying windows phone is dead but we have to change our mind set and understand that windows 10 mobile is an extension of windows 10 desktop so it will only be dead if MS killed the OS entirely and I do believe that apps on a desktop is the future in terms of getting things done quickly on the topic of " project Astoria" I believe MS is pleasing its Windows App developers who hates project Astoria from the get go because it make Android developers work easy and they don't need to learn Windows coding
Yes, if we put on our magical goggles and change our mindset, the house isn't actually on fire! It just looks more dramatic than other houses. While we're at it, think of the heating and lighting costs we're saving on this very instant.
As a user I really don't care, I just want some apps as seen on other platforms. Almost 5 months from the reveal of the Bridges....and still waiting for the apps. MS is very good puting these kind of things on paper and in presentations....but releasing in a good time span it is always a issue.
I never saw the need for Islandwood and Astoria. Any major company is likely to consider a 'mobile offering' as having both iOS and Android apps so being able to port from one platform should suffice. The last hurdle would be incorporating Swift.
Noooooooo, now we aren't going to get Windows Central's awesome Android app. What are we going to do now? We're screwed...
RIP & buried
finally they took this smart decision.
Frikin' awesome decision, appreciate the team of people that decided to cancel Windows Bridge for Android. Thank you, MS!
Wise, very clever move for business
Well I get all my android apps with microsoft services on cyanogen os anyways.... No need to switch to windows 10 if I can stick with my platform and access their services.
A bummer but necessary.
So is it me or is Apple and Microsoft gonna merge to take out google. I'm not opposed to that
It's just you. First of all, such a merger would never be allowed, nor would it ever be a good idea. Secondly, both parties would not agree to it, as they have fundamentally different business strategies.
The next thing they're gonna cancel is Windows Mobile. Probably the best they can do.
Just stop whining.
Whining? Lol. Been using WP for over 5 years now. Had several devices, currently a 950XL. Market share is still decreasing. And that's bit gonna change. Sooner or later MS will kill it off.
whine away, little boy
Insulting instead of providing valid arguments makes you appear truly mature though.
Well here's an argument. Windows 10 mobile is based on windows 10 as well. Canceling that would make UWP useless.
Obviously, there are some people who use Windows phone so not supporting that is stupid, and Windows mobile has been around for more than a decade.
Posted from Windows Central for Windows 10
Mate, try going to some Apple fan site and telling them that their USB chargers are not in fact "magical". This is essentially what you are doing here by not accepting the fact that we are all stuck on the ultimate loser ecosystem.
I have an L950. It is horrible. Never mind the bugginess, terrible hardware, and atrocious battery life, W10M has systematically killed everything that made WP worthwhile. Gone are such innovative hallmarks as pivots, hubs and gestures, and in their place are hamburger menus, nothing and nothing.
What a POS W10M is. MS is dead in mobile. Believe me. By 2017, there will be no more "Windows Phone" of any name. And without a presence in mobile, so too goes any reason for universal apps.
First off... If you sit down and think about it for a while... Do you really think your device is functioning like it should? If it worked like yours for everybody, don't you think there would be a big recall on the basis that it is a faulty device range? No, I didn't think so. You honestly should get your phone exchange because it is VERY bad and in general the 950 is well liked.
Since pivots, hubs and gestures did nothing for the OS when it comes to attracting customers Microsoft HAD to do something that made people feel familiar and therefore added things that are appreciated on other platforms. It still has its personality though.
Windows Phone should be gone a lot sooner than that since the rebranding is going to happen this year. Besides, your last comment is something that has been echoed by everybody since 2010, sorry... It's starting to get old.
Sent from my Windows 10 PC.
Aren't you being just a little bit of a drama queen here. While the design of the L950 may not win any beauty contests, the internals are very solid. And you may want to take your phone in to a MS store because battery life and performance are just dandy on my aging Lumia Icon. There may be a bug or 2 in the preview build of the OS still, but IMO nothing deal breaking or worse than the other phone OS's. Lastly, you do realize that the Windows Central app I'm commenting from (and probably you too) utilizes both pivots and gestures to navigate the app right?
Depending on your choice of device (ATT branded or Unlocked), you may have a different experience. ATT branded just recently received the 107 update, where unlcoked received it a few weeks ago.
In any event, I highly encourage you to do a Hard Reset on your phone, and do not restore the backup - set the phone up from scratch. My batterly life increased dramatically after doing that, and most of my other little issues went away as well. Phone runs much better now.
Yeah, that is what Android fanboys have been hoping for 7 years.
Sent from my Windows 10 PC.
I doubt they even really care. They're focused on Apple users. And I've said it before, I've been using WP since its release and WM 6 before that. I've never even owned an Android device. Yet I'm here, not as delusional as some of you who deny that it's only a matter of time until MS stops wasting money on something which didn't make it for 5.5 years and is most likely never gonna make it. I love Windows 10, but WM 10 is lacking a lot. Damn, it's even missing features from WP 8.1.
Uh, no they aren't... They have A LOT more developers working on Windows-related apps/updates than Ios. W10m also has features that WP8.1 doesn't have which _you people_ seem to deny.
Sent from my Windows 10 PC.
I don't deny that, but nothing too obvious. And more devs working on apps/updates than iOS? Uhm.. Lol? If you're really serious about that, you need help.
Yes, I read your comment wrong and thought you were one of those people who are in complete denial about how huge the W10m update is over previous updates and keeps whining about MS not doing anything for Windows users . I read it as They = MS in your initial two sentences. :)
Sent from my Windows 10 PC.
Microsoft shoots itself in the foot constantly supposedly reinventing themselves ever single year or so. It can't get nothing right and that's a shame
Posted via the Windows Central Beta App for my Lumia 950 XL
Windows 10 is not a reinvention... WP7 was MS trying to reinvent the mobile landscape, Windows 8 is another such reinvention. Windows 10 is more about merging the landscapes together and building on what works. That means taking things from other platforms that we might not have gotten used to, but that the majority of the market enjoy and then add a little Microsoft magic on top of that (Continuum and Buy once, run everywhere).
Sent from my Windows 10 PC.
Giddora has hit the nail on the head. Windows 10 Mobile is MS's attempt to unify the platforms. Prior, Windows Phone was a seperate code base, branched from the desktop OS. You couldn't write one app for Windows 8 and have it run on Windows Phone 8. The goal now is you write one app for Windows 10, and compile the same app (as long as you included the correct interface modules) for publishing on the 10 Mobile store. That app can then also run on Xbox, and ultimately Hololens as well.
It's going to make games, the bread and butter of much of the mobile app stores, more accessible. I can get the game on my Surface tablet, and install the same on my Xbox, and also run it on my 10 PC (perhaps with an Xbox controller).
Android and Apple fanboys give as much of a **** as you give about Free BSD on desktop. That is, if they even remember that this system exists. By all means though, continue with the kool aid.
Been using WP for over 5 years now. Had several devices, currently a 950XL.
and loving it better than ever. UWA's will make Windows phone forget your whining and accept the fact Windows mobile is here to stay.
Windows phone is decreasing in the USA so what, although if you are like many others and think if it doesn't succeed in the US it's dead your wrong. In the UK Windows mobile is increasing and in other countries is selling more than the over priced iPhone maybe there are people in these countries saying IOS is dead.
Get real man.
Agreed. I actually hope they forget about the american market all together. Let Apple and Google battle for that part of the pond and keep making awesome things for Europe. :P
Sent from my Windows 10 PC.
Except that American market is way more profitable
Posted via the Windows Central Beta App for my Lumia 950 XL
Is it?
Sent from my Windows 10 PC.
It's funny, all that fanboys seem to do here is to give you thumbs down when you speak the truth.
Smart decision, when you are bringing apps from other platform to Windows it really doesn't matter if you are coming from iOS or Android. Unnecessary wastage of time and resources of creating and mainting two bridges giving exactly the same result.
Maybe some are going to be dissapointed, but true to be told, the iOS Bridge is a better choice compared to the Android Bridge, in compativility and performance (the iOS Converted Apps where to run natively and on all Windows 10 platforms, compared to the Android Converted Apps, working on a emulator and only on Windows 10 Mobile). On the other hand, it's a sad thing that some developers where working and investing in the Astoria Bridge just to have all their work and time wasted.
All these bridges and the recent Windows app virtualization were not necessary had Microsoft been serious about Windows mobile. Looking forward to iOS bridge and Windows virtualization being cancelled too.
I'm looking forward to more serious comments here.
Google had to remove the java subsystem from Android. I'm pretty sure MS had to rewrite it in w10m so it would have been a hassle
Posted from Windows Central for Windows 10
Windows Safe Space Central. Serious comments. LOLROLFLMAO. Comment of the year right there.
Don't hold your breath. Or do =)
Don't be such a negative Nancy.
Wow.
I think this has more to do with not going to court with google and the android stuff is far more open than MS wants.
No, I think it has to do with the fact that the Android bridge is extremely complicated and not worth their effort and resources when the iOS bridge is comparatively simple.
RIP
Rise of Islandwood Project
Didn't see that coming!
What's the point of this when Windows phones are dead. Nobody uses "apps" on PCs.
Dead?? No one uses apps on PC's?? Any chance of a teenth of what you are on?
He's talking about "Universal" aka "Modern" aka "Metro" apps. No one gives a crap about those on PC. Most people despise them in fact.
Oh sure the few of you here in Windows hugboxes like Win central and Neowin will claim they are great, but in the grand scheme of the hundreds of millions of Windows users out there they remain irrelevant.
I much rather use Mytube on my computer than the Youtube site. Mytube is so much more feature-complete, doesn't nag me about creating another Google account and is A LOT more fluid than the site.
I'm actually using apps rather than sites more frequently every day.
I agree, I love mytube and movies app.
Posted from Windows Central for Windows 10
They don't, you know.
On PCs we have a browser to do everything apps do. And then there's full on 'applications' for the stuff browsers won't do. I can't think of a single "app" (as in, bought from the Windows Store) that I would miss if it were gone.
Have you tried the Windows Central app? Groove Music? Heck, even VLC looks better from the screenshots.
Sent from my Windows 10 PC.
I canceled my Groove subscription after putting up with it for a year, only to see the same annoyances on desktop Windows (failure to find my songs despite constant updating of my library). Spotify isn't buggy, and it has a real desktop Windows program, not a half baked app.
Posted via my Nexus 7 2013 using the Windows Central App for Android
I haven't had a single problem and have used it to make my pc music available on my other devices long before Spotify had this. But being a Swede of course gives Spotify a place in my heart too. :)
I don't think their desktop app is better than having groove on my pc, phone, xbox, tablet and a very VERY good web client available everywhere no matter what OS though.
Posted from Windows Central for XL
Where I'd disagree with you is on tablets. The Surface tablets, and their competitors, take advantage of store apps much more than a classic desktop (mouse and keyboard). I use maybe 1 or 2 apps on my desktop (usually games like Candy Crush), but I use quite a few apps on my Surface 3, Surface Pro 3, and Yoga Tablet 2.
Yes, the surface tablets. All two of them.
I use apps on my pc daily. I use windows central, yahoo mail app, Netflix, History channel. Not many, but still use them anyhow.
The only Store app I use on my PC is Netflix.
Posted via my Nexus 7 2013 using the Windows Central App for Android
Almost forgot... Plex, a must have!
Posted from Windows Central for XL
It's called reality. You should try it some time, bud.
I use some on my PC.
I use apps on my PC daily. That's every day.
I too use apps on my SP3 daily and even friends who are gamers have moved to W10 and use apps.
I'm on the Windows Central app right now! :)
I know I'm a bit late to this conversation but I felt I'd like to leave some input. I use a Lumia 1520 & my wife uses a Lumia 640.
I'm a hard core Windows guy but...
Anyone who pretends every app most people would ever need is available on Windows is lying one way or another. Either they are trolling or have lied to themselves so much they actually believe it. Here are just SOME examples of apps that do not exist on WM but do virtually everywhere else:
Xfinity TV, Bank of America, Check in Apps everywhere and the ones that give discounts for things like AM/PM or 7-11. not ONE of my 10 different credit cards have an app for Windows 10. My kids school apps like IXL or Accelerated reader, most Drone Remote Apps, 99% of all decent games. The list is seriously endless. Yes there are a lot of Apps, 700k is a LOT of apps. The problem is 99% of them suck. They're either info apps mostly trying to teach you how to do things without the real apps or cheap apps that barely work (if at all) trying to make up for WM lack of large commercial apps.
Ever been Unemployed? Even EDD don't support Windows Mobile!
Use Steam for Gaming? Hope you don't want to trade because you can't get the authenticator for WM.
Heck even Microsoft Office Mobile STINKS on WM compared to the new releases on iOS and Android!
Have you ever googled an address then clicked the “Directions” button on WM? Your browser lets you run Google Maps just enough to get to the point where you get hope until you realize it won't work with your GPS and you can't actually get driving directions!
Everything I do in life that comes across a chance to improve with a mobile app I'm out of luck. I have to use an Android tablet just to deposit checks because my phone can't.
I couldn't even get my browser to let me reply on this forum! Had to log in and do it on my PC.
And I prefer using the apps on my pc if they work well. So much easier just clicking on my app, than pulling browers, going to favorites, etc. Not that that is hard to do by any means, just easier using the app.
And the live tiles!
Posted from Windows Central for XL
having a favorites bar on browser help with that you know... and you have access to all of them within one window that stretches across entire screen. The app window in windows ... sorry, looks and feels like crap.
As for Surface, i own and use surface 4 Pro daily and never ever felt need to use app there as it runs full windows that well. My windows app days ended with getting rid of Windows RT
I think over time, the store app usage on PCs will grow. People need to get used to the idea and that takes time. If they find one or two apps they really like, they're more likely to go to the store looking for more.
Most of the apps I ran ran pretty slow so full steam ahead on iOS bridge.
So lame.
Wrong choice.
But, at least now that Android application compatibility is dead, maybe MS can try to rescue their OS by doing away with all the Androidisms they introduced, like god-for-fing-saken hamburger menus,.
Apple use them too!
Best choice. Astoria would just have been mobile apps, very shortsighted choice for a company thats championing 'universal" apps. Problem obviously is the typical Microsoft half baked approach, they should have made the decision from the start to have just one bridge, stick with it and get it working as fast as possible but as usual they wasted people's time before announcing they were abandoning it. Morons.
If everybody got things right first time, it'd be a pretty boring world. MS tried an approach and it didn't work. They are now fixing it by instead focusing on what does. That's not moronic, that's making a sensible decision.
Sensibility has no place in an internet rant. Rabble, rabble, rabble!
True. Not to mention the horrible circular UI changes they've made. Microsoft has totally lost the identity of their own platform.
Most platforms including their own apps (such as Skype) have been using Circle icons to represent PEOPLE from the start. It was a design choice that is preferred to be consistent for users joining the platform, and since their services are on other platforms too. It's a great distiction between people vs things, and it's part of the evolution of MDL.
Dude, hamburger menus are everywhere, not just Android. They're found on websites, mobile sites, apps, and most design aspects of UI/UX. It's a well-featured way of showing menus in one simple button...so don't think it'll go away anytime soon.
That design aspect is here to stay.
Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Well, i guess that's great for anyone who was expecting more apps on the store... Jesus, why have I bought my lumia? I really regret my decision.
Posted from Windows Central for Windows 10
They are going to focus on the iOS bridge, which should mean significantly higher quality apps (iOS apps are usually much better quality than their Android counterparts).
Thabk you!!
Posted via Samsung Galaxy S6 but still love for Windows.
It's a good move. iOS apps are more functional and look much nicer and allows for NATIVE apps. Android would have required emulation which would have slowedd down your phone signifanctly (like the earlier Insider builds)
Buyer's remorse? Well, you have two options: not buying another one or joining the clown brigade here that cheers everytime Microsoft strangles a kitten. What a joke of a platform this turned out to be.
Well ****
Posted from Windows Central for Windows 10
Crash and burn...
Oddly, it may seem to some, I am very pleased. The Astoria emulation idea would always be less desirable than an Islandwood option. This should improve things, as they only need focus on one now.
Especially considering that both Islandwood and Xamarin compile to native code rather than going through the damn Dalvik Virtual Machine.
As all the apps are available on android are also there in IOS, Its a perfect decision!
Finally someone who understands!
Good luck getting iOS developers to use it.
Actually it's well known that iOS developers are more receptive to porting their apps across to Windows 10 Mobile simply because of Islandwood. For Android apps there's always Xamarin.
Xamarin is actually a worse fit for Android than it is for iOS, since the performance hit on Android is larger (especially for app start up).
Why? With the Universal app the economics highly favors them porting considering they are reaching phone,tablet, laptop/desktop/hybrids on Windows.
Exept the ones that need to act as a server of any kind, or ones that require a constant connection, even in the background, or ones that utilize NFC.
That's the problem with Microsoft and their mobile platform. They make something, attract attention only to kill it months later. Not a perfect way to attract developers.
I hope they don't kill the update to x20 series
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