Microsoft announced Universal Windows Apps, which would run on your phone, tablet or desktop at the same time without any major code modifications at its Build conference. Just after rolling our the Developer Preview of Windows Phone 8.1, the company has started accepting Universal Apps in the Windows Phone Store.
Developers can now link their Windows and Windows Phone apps as Microsoft has unified the Store for both alongwith same pricing options and better in-app purchase model. The Visual Studio Development suite also got a developer preview which now allows sharing code between different version of Windows working on the same AppX package. This linking between Windows Phone and Windows apps is accomplished by using the same namespace for both apps, called Reserved Names. Microsoft will allow you to reserve names for your Windows Phone apps 12 months in advance of your release, bringing it at-par with Windows apps which already enjoy this privilege.
Its not just for new app submissions, Developers can now link their existing Windows and Windows Phone apps as well through the store. Although they won't share the same code-base but cloud data can be shared giving the user a unified and synced experience.
With Windows apps or Metro apps getting the ability to run in a windowed mode with Windows 8.1 update, consumers can finally enjoy the buy once use everywhere model Microsoft is aiming for. Microsoft is finally ahead of the curve and the aim with the Metro UI on Windows for PC is finally looking more achievable. Universal apps are not just great for consumers but developers as well. They can reach a wider install base without working overtime to create multiple apps for different platforms.
