14 DAY TRIAL // In addition to the Metro style applications that are essentially an NUI-catalyzed evolution of the traditional desktop programs, customers running the next version of Windows will also be able to use Metro style device apps.
Metro device apps are a new addition to the Windows client, also designed to take advantage of Metro platform in Windows 8.
Windows 8 Developer Preview Build 8102 Milestone 3 (M3) offers early adopters the first chance to play around with both Metro apps as well as Metro style device apps.
As the name implies, Metro style device apps are companion applications designed to work in tandem with devices connected to the Windows 8 computer.
Manufacturers can now take the user experience that their product provides to the next level by offering users a new way for them to interact with their device as soon as it’s plugged in.
“Metro style device apps Device companion apps launch when a user connects a Windows certified device, like a camera or TV, to a Windows 8 PC. Hardware manufacturers can now use the device metadata XML to specify a Metro style device app that automatically downloads and launches when the device is plugged into the PC,” the software giant explained.
“These apps can provide more enjoyable customer experiences, such as sharing photos from a camera or connecting to a social network. Plus you don’t have to manage app distribution and updates. You can even design the Metro style device app to provide a unique experience for each country or region.”
As you can see, Microsoft has put a lot of effort into simplifying the work that device manufacturers will need to do in order to build companion apps for their products. And of course, the Metro style device apps label is a giveaway of the fact that the UI for these applications is Metro.