14 DAY TRIAL // Long-time Microsoft watchers probably know that Windows phones have an app problem, as not a lot of developers rush to code for the platform, but you wouldn’t expect the software giant itself to show such a low interest in building apps for its operating system.
Beam, a live-streaming service that was purchased by Microsoft in 2016, doesn’t have a Windows 10 Mobile app, even though official clients already exist on Android and iOS.
In case you are wondering how come this is possible when Microsoft and the companies it owns should make Windows 10 Mobile a priority over Android and iOS, Beam’s founder Matt Salsamendi has the answer: the developing team didn’t have the time to launch an app for Windows phones.
Windows 10 Mobile client might be coming
In a response offered to one of the users who criticized the firm for not launching a Windows 10 Mobile app, Salsamendi says the lack of a Beam client for Microsoft’s smartphone operating system has nothing to do with the universal app platform itself.
“If Microsoft and it's subsideraries won't make their apps truly universal then why should anyone else? UWP is failing miserably,” the user said. “This isn't a problem with UWP. We have an ambitious roadmap and haven't had the time to launch on W10M!” Salsamendi replied.
Does this mean that a Beam client for Windows 10 Mobile is on its way? Not necessarily, but the company is clearly looking into this possibility, and given the fact that official apps are already coming to Xbox One as universal apps, there’s no doubt that Windows phones will be at least considered.
In fact, in a separate tweet, Salsamendi even admits that a Windows 10 Mobile app is not on the table just yet, but it's being considered. “No current plans, but it's something we're looking at,” he said.
As for the ETA, there’s no information just yet, but Beam’s decision to leave Windows phones behind just adds to all the other criticism aimed at Microsoft for ignoring its own platform. And, at the same time, it also contributes to the arsenal of reasons that users can turn to when migrating from Windows phones to Android or iOS.
@counterblow @Fabe56 This isn't a problem with UWP. We have an ambitious roadmap and haven't had the time to launch on W10M! — Matt (@MattSalsamendi) February 20, 2017