Microsoft faces a challenge convincing developers its upcoming Windows 8 operating system (OS) is worth investing and building software for, since many are already busy on iOS and Android apps. Market analysts say the challenge is compounded when developers would have to consider developing apps for either Windows 8 on x86 devices, or Windows RT for ARM-based devices, or both.
Richard Edwards, principal analyst at Ovum, said the Windows 8 development situation reminded him of the days when DOS and Windows applications ran side by side. Then, certain applications--games, for example--required direct access to the hardware to perform well. Microsoft eventually provided the DirectX API (application programming interface) for developers in 1995. Adoption was slow, though, he noted.
From that experience, Edwards said Redmond is now trying to provide a high-performing environment for Metro apps by tying the browser to the underlying hardware. However, there will be apps that will only ship for the x86-based devices instead of WinRT-powered ARM devices due to performance issues, the Ovum analyst noted.
