It has been known for some time that Microsoft's plans are to reduce the gap between its smartphone operating system and its PC operating system (ed.: ahead of the path set by Apple). The goal is a common operating system for Windows Phone and Windows RT, so that they can run common applications in the near future.
Today, well-known leaker WZR comes to confirm the rumors, posting two photos on Twitter, presenting more clues about Microsoft's vision.
The image below clearly refers to a “Universal Store,signaling the ability for developers to “create a single app that runs on both Windows Phone and Windows.” It also describes some elements of the development process, and refers to two different Visual Studio UI projects – one for each of the subtly different user interfaces used on mobile phones and larger screens – along with a single “common solution.”
The second photo shows the common UI elements on both Windows and Windows Phone systems and shows that 80% of XAML can be shared, without changes at all, in applications developed for the two platforms.
The photo also notes that, when development of an app is complete, Visual Studio will produce two Appx packages – one for the Windows Store, and one for the Windows Phone Store.
