Question: WP7.8, WP8, W8 and W8RT

[Marute]

Hi guys. I'm not quite sure where to put this as it concerns the various windows versions for phones, computers and tablets.

But to the case: I was wondering if the apps from Windows Phone7.8 and WP8 wil be available in the WP8 and WP8RT marketplace? Or will developers have to make entirely new apps for the Windows 8 and RT?

I think in general I'm a bit confused about which apps will be available where and why so if anyone would illuminate me I would appreciate it.

Thanks guys!

 

[Reflexx]

Windows 7.8 apps will work on Windows Phone 8 fine.

To run on Windows RT there will need to be some changes made. Most apps will only require minor changes. If the developer is still supporting the app, and they find that it would be good on a tablet, then I would imagine that they'd port it over.

Full Windows 8 will have both RT and the full Desktop environment. Anything written for Windows RT can be run by Windows 8.

 

[Mio_Ray]

So, devs will have to make at least two versions to span all platforms. One for WP and one for RT?

Sent from my Lumia 800 using Board Express

 

[Reflexx]

So, devs will have to make at least two versions to span all platforms. One for WP and one for RT?

Sent from my Lumia 800 using Board Express

Yes.

But depending on the particular app, the process could be as simple as changing a few lines of code.

 

[poiman]

Yes.

But depending on the particular app, the process could be as simple as changing a few lines of code.

Yes, particularly usefull if a dev is developing a game because they usually run in landscape mod. If it is another kind of app, they usually run on portrait mode on WP while on W8/RT they run on landscape by default, so more than just a few lines of coding will need to be changed in order to keep a good UI that fits both screens right.

 

[Reflexx]

Yes. Depending on the app.

Some games might take a week or two of work to port.

Some may take even longer if they decide to replace assets with ones that will look better in HD.

Some devs might create whole new apps because they want to make use of all the extra real estate, or add special functions for keyboard shortcuts or the the right-button on the mouse.
It really depends on what the app.

 

[Siah1214]

They will need to make a 2nd app, because upscaling an smartphone app to a tablet or desktop sized screen is BS.

 

[Reflexx]

They will need to make a 2nd app, because upscaling an smartphone app to a tablet or desktop sized screen is BS.

Many apps don't use graphics.

Also, replacing images doesn't require building a new app.

 

[Marute]

Thanks for the great replies guys. Now that I have your attention ( ), I was also wondering if the Surface RT (and all RT versions of W8) will have the normal desktop as well? I understand that the Surface Pro tablet will include an Intel processor and the RT won't, and that the RT will not run programs that hasn't been installed through the Marketplace. But will it show the desktop window for file management, or will that go through the Office App like on a Windows Phone?

 

[jimski]

Thanks for the great replies guys. Now that I have your attention ( ), I was also wondering if the Surface RT (and all RT versions of W8) will have the normal desktop as well? I understand that the Surface Pro tablet will include an Intel processor and the RT won't, and that the RT will not run programs that hasn't been installed through the Marketplace. But will it show the desktop window for file management, or will that go through the Office App like on a Windows Phone?

No desktop view for RT. So, it will be more like a big WP ( or an iPad) in that sense, only running Marketplace apps. But there will be much more. Microsoft apps for mail, music, video, etc. And of course, Office RT2013. Plus USB support and Smart Glass. So not a desktop experience. But an exceptional experience for a tablet.

Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express Pro

 

[power5]

So that would make 3 versions.

Phone (smaller res)
RT (same metro app with higher res images if needed)
desktop (if they want a full fledged program, not a metro app > Think internet explorer or office)

I can not wait for win8 to come out. I am fantasizing about a x86 win8 tablet. I know for a fact what I am spending my tax returns on next year.

 

[Siah1214]

No desktop view for RT. So, it will be more like a big WP ( or an iPad) in that sense, only running Marketplace apps. But there will be much more. Microsoft apps for mail, music, video, etc. And of course, Office RT2013. Plus USB support and Smart Glass. So not a desktop experience. But an exceptional experience for a tablet.

Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express Pro

Actually it will have desktop, for Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Onenote, Internet Explorer, and explorer. Theoretically it can run specially compiled desktop apps.

 

[Reflexx]

Actually it will have desktop, for Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Onenote, Internet Explorer, and explorer. Theoretically it can run specially compiled desktop apps.

This.

Office for ARM will run on the desktop. But RT's version of the desktop won't run any of the programs that run on a regular x86 computer.