Windows, Windows Phone Differences Require Dev Planning

Windows 8.1 (including Windows RT) and Windows Phone 8 share many architectural elements that can reduce the development effort of building applications that target both platforms while leveraging existing developer skills. Implementing an application on both OSs broadens its potential customer base and supports usage across phones, tablets, and desktop PCs. However, substantial differences in the platforms require developers to plan carefully, choose appropriate patterns and technologies, and use techniques to minimize the work of building and maintaining applications on both platforms. Microsoft’s PC and phone platforms are expected to converge further with updates that could arrive in the near future.

Cross-Targeting Broadens Application Potential

Users frequently work on multiple devices, such as desktop PCs, tablets, and smartphones, throughout the day. There is an increasing expectation that the same applications, data, and even user settings values (for example, Bing applications retain settings values in the cloud and use them on Windows and Windows Phone) will be available on each of these devices. However, the user experience may vary based on factors such as screen size and input methods (touch versus mouse and keyboard, for example).