Windows 8, 10 Apps Can Now be Downloaded on Compatible Windows Phones

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Microsoft made a wise move when it had announced universal apps that would run on Windows 8 desktop and touch devices and also on the Xbox. And now we’re seeing the first big step in that direction. Read more below.
windows 8 apps on windows phone
Last week, I have discovered that a new notification underneath every Windows 8 app detail had appeared, but at the time I thought it was only for several apps, as part of the new universal apps change. As you can see for yourself in the above screenshot, or you can go ahead and open up the webpage of any Windows 8 app out there, such as eBay, in our case. So, you can see that the “get once, download on compatible Windows Phones too” message is now appearing by default.

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Also, right before the rating stars, we can see the same icon, depicting what seems to be a tablet, and a smartphone, obviously. So, to put it in other words for those who aren’t yet acquainted with the term of “universal apps”, if you will buy a game on Windows 8, you will allegedly be able to use it on your Windows Phone smartphone, as well. However, most likely, not all of the apps, and especially games, will work and that’s why Microsoft has intelligently put “compatible” there.

The reason for that is that the apps that you will find on the Windows Store are built exclusively for Windows 8 devices – computers, laptops and tablets, touch or desktop. But this will change for future apps, if developers will make use of new dev tools which Microsoft has put at their disposal, to build an app which will be easily downloaded and installed on your Windows Phone smartphone. And it makes sense, since this is part of Microsoft’s vision of unifying the operating systems. Furthermore, it will be a great move to please consumers, because if you will have paid a few good bucks for a Windows 8 game, you definitely don’t want to pay again for the Windows Phone version.

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