Is Microsoft Strangling the Desktop PC? (UWP Explained)
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Receive an additional $25 credit for Ting today when you sign up at techquickie.ting.com The Universal Windows Platform allows developers to write programs that run across Microsoft devices, and even allows gamers to buy just one copy of a title for both PC and Xbox - but is it also a huge overreach by Microsoft? Techquickie Merch Store: designbyhumans.com Techquickie Movie Poster: shop.crowdmade.com Follow: twitter.com Leave a reply with your requests for future episodes, or tweet them here: twitter.com Join the community: linustechtips.com Intro Theme: Showdown by F.O.O.L from Monstercat - Best of 2016 Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com
Is Microsoft straining the traditional desktop PC through the Universal Windows Platform, or is it simply offering a more cohesive development model across devices? The video explains that UWP is an API layer designed to let developers write a single codebase that can run on Windows 10 PCs, Xbox One, and Hololens, even when devices may use different processor architectures. It highlights core APIs that enable cross device execution and adaptive code that can tailor features like touch or mouse/keyboard input to the hardware in use. The explanation also covers how UWP can restrict certain apps to specific devices or platforms for licensing or UI reasons, and how this ties into Microsoft’s store driven ecosystem. The discussion points out benefits such as seamless game portability across PC and Xbox, while also noting potential downsides like a perceived closed ecosystem and the so called walled garden around the Windows Store. Finally, the video touches on Windows 10 S and the ongoing debate among developers and publishers about how much control Microsoft should exert over software distribution and compatibility. The overall takeaway is that UWP represents a strategic consolidation with security and consistency goals, but it raises concerns about openness, flexibility, and true platform independence for developers and power users.
Topics · technology · operating-systems · gaming · software-development · security
Questions answered
- What is the Universal Windows Platform and which devices does it target?
- The Universal Windows Platform is an API framework that enables a single codebase to run on multiple Microsoft devices, including Windows 10 PCs, Xbox One, and Hololens, provided the devices run a supported Microsoft OS.
- What is a major criticism of the UWP and Windows Store approach?
- A major criticism is that it creates a walled garden where apps and updates are restricted to the Windows Store for distribution, raising concerns about openness and developer freedom.