Universal Windows Platform Eases Multi-Device Support

The Universal Windows Platform (UWP) enables the development of applications that are compatible with all devices running Windows 10, including phones, tablets, PCs, and Xbox One. APIs and tools simplify development when targeting multiple Windows 10 device types, and a unified Store eases application publishing and acquisition across devices. The platform could help organizations implement applications for and deploy applications to heterogeneous hardware. For example, the effort to create a custom product catalog application for PCs and phones could be substantially reduced. However, UWP is not supported on older Windows versions or other OSs, and new or revised application code is required.

Common Core Enables Universal Platform

A major initiative of Windows 10 is the use of a common core (kernel and other OS elements) in every instance of the OS. Windows 10 is currently offered for PCs, tablets, and phones (via Windows 10 Mobile), and it can run on specialized types of networked devices such as sensors and manufacturing equipment (via Windows 10 IoT Core). The OS underpins a portion of the Xbox One platform and will drive Microsoft’s upcoming Surface Hub large touch display devices.