At its Build 2017 conference this morning Microsoft announced that its upcoming Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will include integration with iOS, allowing developers using Microsoft Graph to link desktop apps to mobile apps on both iPhone and Android devices (via The Verge). Users will be able to start apps on a Windows computer and, with the help of Microsoft's AI Cortana, pick up their iPhone to resume the experience exactly where they left off.
The update will also include a multi-platform cloud clipboard that will let users copy content and paste it across Windows, iOS, and Android. The new multi-device transition features coming to Windows 10 function similarly to Continuity on iOS and macOS devices.
This new pick up feature is particularly useful on mobile devices, where Microsoft hopes app developers will start to link their desktop apps to resume experiences on devices like an iPhone or Android handset. Microsoft is also creating a cloud clipboard that will roam across Windows, iOS, and Android to let people copy content from a PC and paste it on a phone.
Other Windows 10 updates coming this fall include Timeline, which works in conjunction with the cross-platform pick-up feature and shows users a list of previously used apps across their devices. Additionally, OneDrive Files On-Demand will introduce an easier way to control when documents are downloaded to a device from the cloud, and a cosmetic update to Fluent Design will subtly change how the OS looks.
The company continued integration with Apple's ecosystem by announcing the Xamarin Live Player preview, a live coding environment that will let developers test and debug iOS apps on Windows computers, which marks the first time iPhone and iPad apps can be developed without needing a Mac (via Thurott). Live Player will launch as an extension of the just-launched Visual Studio IDE, and will come with an app for iOS [Direct Link] and Android.
With Xamarin Live Player, developers will be able to do everything from their Windows-based PC: Just connect your Android device, iPhone, or iPad to the PC via USB and you can target those devices directly during development.
“Simply pair your device with Visual Studio by scanning a QR code, and hit debug like you normally would,” Nat explains. “The application is deployed in seconds to the Live Player app, enabling you to quickly develop and test your changes without having to recompile and redeploy your application. And you can set breakpoints and debug your application, on device, and over the air.”
Microsoft Build 2017 started on May 10 and ends tomorrow, May 12, and includes technical sessions and keynote speakers centered on developers and the tools they use to create applications and services. More information about upcoming Build 2017 events can be found right here.
Top Rated Comments
It looks like the current - and very practical - CEO of MS has realized the same thing. He's facilitating Windows/iOS integration like never before. This will benefit everyone.
I really wish Satya had a chance to work with Steve Jobs. I firmly believe the entire computing industry would have benefited from their collaboration.
It depends how they pull it off but something like this could be impactful, especially a copy and paste and possible AirDrop-like system.
I am hoping this pushes Apple to do more with continuity.... and other unique features that Microsoft has 'taken inspiration from' lately.
Apple are continuing to rely on iterations of products that were outstanding and bar setters in their day, but they have not brought anything new the table for a while (iPhone 7 [6SS], MacBook Pros [Touch Bar a gimmick]) etc, and the questions are starting to loom as to how long they can hold their place at the top without any new meaningful innovation.
If you take your modern day iPhone, Apple TV, MacBook Pro, iMac and iPad and compare them to the same products from two years ago – has there been any new real innovation? It's the same with software, each new MacOS brings nothing significant new (if it's not broke don't fix I know, but that's also not an excuse for lack of new innovation) and all iOS has done is rip features and imitate the social platforms (Snapchat etc) of their main target audience; teenagers.
For too long there's been noises about ventures into new markets and then next big thing from Apple HQ (The Car, a TV solution) and yet each product launch comes and goes and frankly underwhelms, we get a new slightly updated iteration of an existing product, and often the design changes are detrimental and un-Apple like. I just get an overwhelming sense of hubris coming out of Infinite Loop, that they can continue to ride the wave of their previous successes. I guess as they continue to rake in the billions they may say their reasoning is justified.
In this same period Microsoft have realigned themselves in the market, are trying new approaches to the software ecosystem and have produced beautiful hardware in Surfaces and Surface Studio. Amazon has stole a lead with the Echo line, and Google is benefitting from Samsung producing a flagship phone that is much closer to the standard that was the iPhone than ever before. Oh, and Tesla are killing it (just buy them already Apple).
I really believe that in ten years time we won't see Apple in the same light as we have for the previous ten. And they will have no one to blame but themselves. It's a cliche to bring up Steve Jobs but I believe he wouldn't have liked the Apple we have today in 2017.