Windows 8.1 Preview opens the door to support for a new range of devices

Jul 29, 2013 11:41 GMT  ·  By

One of the appealing features that Windows 8.1 Preview was made available with was support for a wider range of devices, through several new and innovative APIs included in the platform release.

Windows 8 already offered support for various device scenarios, including print, sensors, and geolocation, but provided limited access to arbitrary devices (available only for dedicated device apps).

Windows 8.1 Preview, however, changes that, as support for APIs such as Point of Sale (POS), 3D printing, and scanning is included in the new platform release.

Furthermore, Microsoft explains that the new feature, paired with device protocol APIs, can deliver access to a wide array of new devices.

“Device protocol APIs, new to Windows 8.1, allow a Windows Store app to talk to a device over industry standard protocols like USB, HID, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Smart, and Wi-Fi Direct,” George Roussos, senior program manager, explains in a blog post.

“As a developer, all you need to do is simply identify the device (leveraging metadata) and then open a communication channel to the device. Opening a channel prompts for user consent. This is a critical step to help prevent apps from accidentally or maliciously communicating with one or more devices without the user’s awareness.

“Once access is granted, the app can communicate with a device, including starting long data transfers, which can continue even if the user swipes to another app,” he also notes.

Through the aforementioned access to devices available via device protocol APIs, a series of new scenarios is supported in Windows 8.1 Preview, including IHV Device Access, which enables hardware vendors to come up with new apps for their products without the need of specific drivers.

Manufacturers will also be able to create a standard to allow communication with their devices, which means that developers can build new apps that could communicate with them.

Said access to devices also enables home developers to come up with their own software to communicate with non-standard devices.

Additional info on how to build, test, and deploy such applications can be found in a series of resources on Microsoft’s own website, including:

Using Geolocation and Geofencing in Windows Store pps [3-9034] 3D Printing with Windows [3-9027] Building Windows Apps That Use Scanners [3-025] How to Use Point-of-Sale Devices in Your App [3-029] Apps for Bluetooth, HID, and USB Devices (focusing on Bluetooth RFCOMM) [3-026] Apps for Bluetooth Smart Devices [3-9028] Apps for USB Devices [3-924a] Apps for HID Devices [2-924b]

“Windows 8.1 Preview provides rich support for apps to communicate with devices. By integrating standard devices (e.g. printers, sensors) or even custom devices seamlessly into your apps, users can enjoy a fast and fluid way of interacting with their favorite devices,” George Roussos concludes.

Photo Gallery (2 Images)

Microsoft explains Windows 8.1's device protocol APIs
Microsoft explains device protocol APIs in Windows 8.1 Preview
Open gallery