Microsoft has released a software that aids programmers to easily link Windows and Apple apps. Under the project name 'Windows Bridge', the company has finally taken a move to make Windows become more cross platform friendly.
The 'Windows Bridge' for iOS is available on Github as an open source tool. The software is designed to make the applications written for Apple iOS devices portable and available for Windows computers. The multinational company wants to ensure that users are not hindered and limited by the so called 'app gap'.
The 'WinObjC' library will aid developers in creating iOS apps on devices running on Windows. Developers have been using the Objective-C programing language before Apple announced the 'Swift'.
Microsoft has added a compiler, a library for running iOS application programming interface, an Objective-C runtime and a complete set of tools for incorporating the WinObjC library to the Visual Studio IDE.
The tech company's move opens a wide door of opportunities for its users. The gap between different operating systems has somehow hindered some users to be fully effective and efficient.
IDC program director for enterprise software development Al Hilwa stated that, "Microsoft's move here illustrates that the only serious way to engage developers today is with open source."
"While the project is aimed at converting iOS apps to Windows Universal apps, the full effort is really about appealing to Objective-C developers in general, which is now a sizeable ecosystem," Hilwa added.
Microsoft is truly dedicated to bridging the gap. The tech company is keen to move away from the traditional apps towards more moveable apps which is not only limited to desktop apps but also for devices running on Windows 10, Xbox One and HoloLens.
Microsoft has mentioned that it will continue working to expand its iOS compatibility. The tech developer is also planning to make the same move for Android devices. The Windows Bridge is initially launched as a public preview but the company confirmed to release the full version this fall.
