Microsoft Promises a Smooth App Migration to Windows 10X Dual-screen Devices
Microsoft wants to start working with app developers that plan to create applications compatible with the upcoming dual-screen devices.
For now, the company is just offering an email address (dualscreendev@microsoft.com) for those who need some extra information, and promises to share more details with developers in early 2020.
Dual-screen devices are designed to help people get more done on smaller and more mobile form factors. Microsoft says that developers need to optimize theis apps for the new form factor, by making sure that websites and apps work. Code is important here, but developers will not have to start anew on these devices.
Windows 10X is an expression of Windows 10 and will be available on dual-screen and foldable PCs, including the Surface Neo and devices from several other companies. Developers will be able to use existing investments and tools for Web, UWP, and Win32 on these devices.
The Surface Duo will bring together Android apps, OS, and Surface hardware. Current websites and Android apps will continue to work and run on a single screen.
Microsoft is currently in the process of identifying key postures and layouts across dual-screen and foldable PCs so that developers can take advantage of both.
For native app developers, Microsoft's goal is to develop a common model layered onto existing platform-specific tools and frameworks for Windows and Android. Of course, APIs to access this model will be tailored to the developer platform for each operating system. For example, developers can use APIs to enhance their apps to use dual-screen capabilities and features like the 360-degree hinge.
Web will continue to follow the standards-based model. And Microsoft promises to build the right web standards and APIs to allow web developers to take advantage of cross-platform dual-screen capabilities. Web developers can use the browser or web-based app model of their choosing to take advantage of these capabilities.