Microsoft will try to make it easier for developers to port Windows apps across PCs, tablets and WP8 smartphones

Dan Jones, Mobile Editor

June 20, 2012

2 Min Read
Windows Phone 8 Gets 'Common Core'

Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) is attempting to simplify life for its developers as it tries to push deeper into mobile with the launch of Windows Phone 8 this fall.

At a developers conference in San Francisco on Wednesday, Microsoft revealed that its flagship Windows 8 desktop operating system will share a common core. This should help developers create and port applications between desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones easier than they previously could.

Redmond also revealed a number of new hardware and software features for its coming mobile update. These include:

  • Support for dual-core processors on the phone.

  • A Near Field Communication (NFC) chip in a SIM card to enable mobile payments and other tap-and-verify applications on the phone

  • The new OS will incorporate the Navteq mapping technology from Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK) for turn-by-turn directions and location services

  • Support for three different screen resolutions on devices.



Microsoft says that Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK), High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC) (Taiwan: 2498), Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and Samsung Corp. will build and offer WP8 phones worldwide. The Verge reports, however, that the new features in WP8 will not be backwards-compatible with existing Windows phones.

Why this matters
Microsoft needs to make it as easy as possible for developers to port Windows apps between platforms as they try to compete with Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) and Android in mobile. The software giant has already made a major leap into the mobile hardware market this week with the unveiling of its first tablets.

For more

  • Poll: Microsoft's Surface-Level Tablet Specs

  • Microsoft Surface: Where's the 4G Wireless?

  • OS Watch: Windows Phone 8 Specs Revealed

  • Nokia Loses Its Mobile Crown

  • CES 2011: Microsoft... That's It?



— Dan Jones, Site Editor, Light Reading Mobile

About the Author(s)

Dan Jones

Mobile Editor

Dan is to hats what Will.I.Am is to ridiculous eyewear. Fedora, trilby, tam-o-shanter -- all have graced the Jones pate during his career as the go-to purveyor of mobile essentials.

But hey, Dan is so much more than 4G maps and state-of-the-art headgear. Before joining the Light Reading team in 2002 he was an award-winning cult hit on Broadway (with four 'Toni' awards, two 'Emma' gongs and a 'Brian' to his name) with his one-man show, "Dan Sings the Show Tunes."

His perfectly crafted blogs, falling under the "Jonestown" banner, have been compared to the works of Chekhov. But only by Dan.

He lives in Brooklyn with cats.

Subscribe and receive the latest news from the industry.
Join 62,000+ members. Yes it's completely free.

You May Also Like