Nine years ago today, we covered Microsoft’s attempt to reposition Universal Windows Platform applications by bringing them closer to traditional desktop software. At the time, Microsoft was trying to bridge the two worlds by giving UWP developers greater access to system-level capabilities, while promoting the idea of a unified app model across devices. The piece reflects a moment when Microsoft is still working hard to modernize Windows development and convince developers about the long-term future of UWP.
In retrospect, it serves as an illustration of a strategy that never quite materialized, but it also shows how Microsoft was beginning to move toward the more flexible, open approach that defines Windows software development today. — Daniel Rubino, Editor-in-Chief
The following article was originally published May 1, 2017By Daniel Rubino.
Interestingly, Microsoft may change its messaging around UWP as well. with Windows 10 Mobile is rapidly declining, Microsoft is trying to double down on the desktop.
Confusion about UWP
Microsoft’s UWP has always been a source of confusion, especially among consumers. Some thought this meant that all apps built with the platform could simply run anywhere – so “universal” here refers to the hardware endpoint.
However, this is not certain.
Microsoft means “universal” to refer to tools that allow developers to deliver their products to the Windows Store. Therefore, all apps listed in the Store are still technically UWP not all of these apps may work on Mobile.
Universal also applies non-consumer properties such as a shared pricing structure, shared in-app purchases, the ability to install on multiple devices, and single ad units.
We can attribute this confusion to Microsoft’s bad naming and poor messaging. A familiar theme for sure.
It’s not just consumers who have trouble understanding UWP, at least conceptually.
Some developers also believe that UWP is meant to create simple phone apps that can run on your computer, not the other way around. I’ve written about this before because the “app model” is very phone-centric. Developers see UWP in light of Microsoft’s biggest failure to date. that’s it it’s not good.
Microsoft sees UWP as someday replacing Win32 apps, aka “classic” desktop apps. That time is still a long way off, as UWP is not as powerful as Win32, but the goal for Microsoft is to move towards that reality.
Every year UWP grows, more features are added, and this goal is achievable. But developers are still reluctant to adopt UWP in part because of the stigma — yes, stigma – From Windows 10 Mobile.
Get off the phones
Microsoft’s 2017 Q3 profit report cemented the company’s intention to move away from phones — at least for now.
Some of that distance in the consumer space could be helped by Windows 10 and UWP. Here’s how.
Sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans tell us that developers have been more receptive to UWP since mobile phones, especially phones, were released.
This result may seem surprising, but if UWP is intended to be a long-term replacement for Win32, making it look like patched phone apps is not the way to do it. Apparently, that’s the current perception: UWP makes phone apps for your PC.
Microsoft believes that UWP needs to do a few things to be successful:
- Earn on PC and desktop first.
- Demonstrate that it will be better than Win32.
- Convince developers that these aren’t just phone apps.
The first point about “winning” at desktop is to have successful programs and games appear in the Windows Store. Developers and consumers need to change their perception of the Store from a collection of apps with half the functionality of full desktop apps to true desktop alternatives.
Adobe Photoshop Elements 15 using Project Centennial Bridge is an example of this. The other one The recently released djay ProPorted from iOS via Project Islandwood Bridge.
For gaming, such high-profile releases Fallout ShelterMinecraft and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard It represents what UWP is it was assumed to do
You need UWP those who release types for developers and consumers to see value on the platform and in the Store.
These aforementioned app achievements demonstrate the power of UWP when done right.
The software includes djay Pro, location-aware Surface Dial functionality, sophisticated UI elements, timed audio sync, and more. is a massively complex release with support. The company behind the Windows 10 version of Djay Pro said how amazing it was to be able to bring its app to Windows 10 without hiring a whole new team without any restrictions.
These are the stories Microsoft wants to highlight, and my gut tells me you’ll see the company heavily promote these kinds of releases at BUILD and in advertising.
Succeed on PC, then move to Mobile
If you think about it, the whole concept of UWP is backwards for developers. Windows Phone has never been a profitable investment for developers, despite Nokia’s best efforts to acquire it.
It’s the old “putting the cart before the horse” scenario, and it’s biting Microsoft hard.
However, if Microsoft can pull away for phones and make UWP successful on the desktop. Now, you look like a model where you take powerful and robust desktop apps and magically make them work on mobile devices. Technically, this was always true, but it’s an easier sell for everyone you prove it once.
This strategy is also not speculation. Microsoft plans to position UWP primarily as a true desktop development system for high-end games and apps. This attempt is one of the reasons why the Phone is currently obsolete.
If UWP can’t succeed on PC, Xbox, Mixed Reality, etc., it has no hope for mobile either.
This reasoning is different what I argued beforewhich cannot succeed with UWP phones. Microsoft would be in a better position if it hadn’t incompetently destroyed its phone business for the fourth time in a decade, a situation so bad that it negatively affected Windows 10 and UWP.
However, all this is more unwelcome news for fans of Windows phones. On the contrary, instead of putting all its strength behind the phone market, it will spend all its efforts on desktop, tablets, Windows. Mixed RealityIoT and other platforms. Get a lot of developers involved in the (currently) successful part of the business and slowly bring back mobile once the hardware is ready and the apps are available to consumers.
As every analyst knows, even if Microsoft releases a killer “Surface” tomorrow with incredible innovation and design, there’s still the software gap problem. It will just fail. Microsoft needs to address this, but they won’t do it by releasing a crappy phone. Instead, they’ll put all their efforts into making UWP as powerful and successful as they can, and once all the pieces are in place, they’ll return to the new device category.
Microsoft’s new push into education is the right move at the right time
None of these really good news, but I can’t think of any other approach at the moment. Microsoft needs UWP to succeed for the future of 100 percent Windows.
Finally, it is important to create more device categories and markets. Microsoft’s announcement May 2 will prove that the company is serious about entering new segments like education with all its strength. Doing so will also greatly benefit developers and the UWP model.
