One thing about Microsoft that we actually like but some of you bemoan: they cater to everyone and every platform, sometimes even Android. Today Microsoft is unveiling on{X} (pronounced on-ex) for Android devices and presumably no one else just yet.
The app is essence runs prefab scripts on the phone, using things like the gyroscope/accelerometer, GPS location or just plain old time-alarms. In other words, you can have the phone remind you to call someone when you're leaving the office (alarm + GPS) or start your music when you when running, which we suppose can add a dramatic tune if you're beeing chased by some bad guys.
Windows Phone actually has a something similar already which is called TouchDevelop. It's not nearly as powerful but it is certainly fun to play with.
The on{X} system is both an app and web-based client which you use to configure ready-made templates which are then synced to the phone. It seems easy enough to use and once again it goes to show you how powerful smart devices can actually be when all of those sensors are utilized.
Okay, so why Android first? It's actually a funny and well known reason: Android has a "less strict security model" (translation: you can hack it and violate user privacy very easily), in turn Microsoft sees Android as a decent, mass test bed for experimental apps since they can cut corners on security.
But fear not as the Microsoft team, which is based in Israel, works on Bing, geo-fencing and UX technologies and you can bet that once this "system" is honed and worked out, Windows Phone users will get a new, polished and locked down version. For now, Android users get all the fun and risks.
For Windows Phone users, give Microsoft's TouchDevelop a spin here in the Marketplace.
Source: Microsoft + on{X}; via TechCrunch; Thanks, Ronald-Jan, for the tip
Daniel Rubino is the Executive Editor of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft here since 2007, back when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, Microsoft Surface, laptops, next-gen computing, and arguing with people on the internet.
