14 DAY TRIAL // We've already told you that Microsoft is working on bringing classic Windows apps in the Windows Store as part of Project Centennial, and it turns out that, in addition to WordPad and a few others, Paint is also on the list of programs getting a Windows 10 version.
What’s more, the Windows 10 version of Paint has already made it to the store, and as MSPU writes, it provides pretty much the same functionality as the classic program.
Microsoft has published the app in the store under the name of “Newcastle,” and the company has included a description of the Newcastle football club, which is kind of unexpected, but it somehow makes sense, given the fact that this is still work in progress.
As you can see in the screenshots here, the Paint app looks nothing more than like a modern version of the classic program, so you get the same features packed in a more eye-candy interface. Most likely, the app is fully optimized for the touch and can work on all Windows 10 devices, as the goal here is to make it universal and offer support for both PCs and smartphones.
The end of the classic Paint app?
Without a doubt, seeing a Windows 10 version of Paint going live in the store raises more question regarding the future of the Win32 version that’s already available on the desktop.
The plan here might be to remove the desktop version in order to move the focus on store apps, as Microsoft wants to use its classic Win32 apps as pioneers of Project Centennial. This allows apps to be offered through the store and benefit from all improvements brought by universal apps, including auto-updating through the store.
The Paint app could be bundled into the Anniversary Update that’s due in the summer, but it goes without saying that this report shouldn't be taken for granted until Microsoft itself confirms or denies this information. The Anniversary Update should land in July, so we shouldn’t wait too long to find out about the company’s plans.
