14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8, the next-generation operating system from Microsoft, opens new doors to developers interested in building applications for it.
Unlike the previous platform releases, the new OS flavor arrives on the market with support for applications built for the Metro UI, leveraging the WinRT development environment that Microsoft announced last year.
Metro apps will work on all Windows 8 devices, but they are extremely important for the Windows RT platform – which runs on ARM devices –, since this platform version won’t support legacy applications.
When building software for the Windows 8 OS, developers need to know that they can take full advantage of HTML. Basically, when using HTML controls directly, the new Windows 8 experience is provided, Microsoft explains.
“We have done work in HTML so that you can build industrial strength apps that have touch capability while still maintaining the great flexibility of using HTML. We want you to quickly and efficiently build apps that shine,” Kathy Kam, senior program manager, Windows, explains.
Web developers will be able to continue using common HTML controls to come up with appealing Windows 8 experiences, she continues.
Windows 8 was designed with new implementations of the standard HTML controls, which come with the feel and look of Windows 8, while also offering support for touch, and support for localization and globalization.
These standard HTML controls are there for all developers to take advantage of when building Metro style applications, and will enable them to provide both a great Windows 8 experience to their users, as well as the flexibility that HTML has to offer.
In a recent post on the Windows 8 app developer blog, Kathy Kam offers an example of the use of these controls for building Metro-style apps, while also offering tips on how devs can get the most out of HTML when building an app for Windows 8.
“We made lots of investments to fine tune HTML controls for you to build Metro style apps. These controls now work great on a wide variety of form factors, can bring users a better experience, and increase the reach of your app,” she explains.
“Some of the major apps available on the Release Preview mainly use HTML controls, such as the Windows 8 App Store and the Mail, Calendar, and Photo apps. By using these controls your app can get the Metro style look and feel for free and you can focus on the core value of your app.”