LOCAL app developers can look into Windows 8 as another platform for them to create and distribute their apps specifically for the operating system, which will see itself gracing on a high number of notebook computers and tablets in the near future.
Azizah Ali, the country manager at Microsoft Brunei, said that Brunei has witnessed a growing interest of mobile app development among the youth as smartphones and tablets have amassed popularity among consumers, and that Microsoft is looking to spark interest among app developers to get on board the Windows 8 app development bandwagon when the new operating system hits the mass market later this year.
"We see a possibility of localised apps for the Windows 8 platform that will take advantage of the system's versatile Metro UI (User Interface)," she told The Brunei Times last week.
Microsoft claims the new Metro interface, which features a new tile-based start screen, is designed to better suit touchscreen input, along with traditional mouse and keyboard input.
Azizah said that Windows 8 has been redesigned with mobility in mind, optimised for desktop and laptop computers as well as tablet devices.
Similar to the mobile OS ecosystem such as Apple's iOS and Google's Android, Windows 8 is expected to have its own app ecosystem through the Windows Store.
In addition, developers can also develop mobile applications for smartphones running Windows Phone OS, which has seen an increase in adoption in recent years by Nokia and HTC smartphones. Mobile app development has become a multi-billion dollar business for many startups around the globe, giving birth to success stories such as Angry Birds and Instagram.
Azizah said that Microsoft is confident that Windows 8 will be a major hit when it is released, and urged local talents to look into this new opportunity.
Last Thursday, Microsoft organised a partners meeting at the Radisson Hotel in the capital where the firm showcased a live demonstration of the new Windows 8 operating system. The firm hopes to build awareness and readiness amongst its partners through its Microsoft Partner Network (MPN). Windows 8 has reached Release to Manufacturing (RTM) status last week, and is set for a worldwide release on October 26.The Brunei Times
Above; Microsoft Windows 8's user interface being showcased at an exhibition. Below; Azizah Ali, Country Manager at Microsoft Brunei. Pictures: EPA, BT/File
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
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