In the past few weeks, a number of major apps have been released in the Windows Store that use Microsoft's Universal Windows Platform so they can work on any Windows 10 device. Not surprisingly, Steve Guggenheimer, Microsoft's Developer Evangelism head, stated in a new interview that he believes that trend will continue.
In a chat with ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley, Guggenheimer said, "It takes a while after you get the platform out there to work with developers to get the momentum going," However, he believes that will continue. He also believes that more developers who embrace the UWP means that there will also be more apps for Windows 10 Mobile devices:
"It doesn't matter where they (developers) start. The core work is done for all the (Windows 10) platforms. If you're building for 10, it's already done for phone," Guggenheimer said. "A true Windows 10 (UWP) app is a phone app," he said. "It's up to us (Microsoft) to get devices in market that are unique and differentiated for the phone."
And what about Microsoft's previously announced plans to give app developers on other platforms a way to quickly port them into Windows 10 apps? ZDNet hints that Guggenheimer is not putting a lot of emphasis on those efforts. He did say that a number of developers have used the "Project Westminister" tools to port web sites and apps into Windows 10. However, he added the iOS app bridge efforts are still in its early stages. He would not comment at all on Microsoft's plans for porting Win32 and Android apps for Windows 10. As we have reported in the part, Microsoft's "Project Astoria" Android-to-Windows 10 bridge has been put on hold indefinately.
Guggenheimer said that Microsoft will continue to talk to developers in order to convince them to bring their apps to Windows 10 in 2016:
"You should assume we are continuing to work with developers that users -- consumers and commercial -- care about," Guggenheimer said. "Whatever apps are interesting -- social, gaming, IOT (Internet of Things)- type stuff -- that work continues to go on. And not just in the U.S., but globally, too." As (Windows 10) usage goes up, it will be a self-fulfilling place," he said. "Our (developer) conversations right now are proactive. But going forward, there will be more traction."
Source: ZDNet
