As we know, the Surface Neo will launch later this year alongside the Android powered Surface Duo. While Microsoft rolled out a preview SDK for the Duo last month, dev’s were left waiting on Windows 10X. This is the newest specialized version of Windows 10 that runs on the Neo. Following the news yesterday, app developers can now start using Windows 10X through an emulator. This allows them to test apps on the new OS. Of course, the Surface Neo is a dual-screen device. Dev’s will need to make their apps compatible with the form factor. While the platform allows compatibility with existing apps, developers will need to tweak their services if they are to run fluidly across both screens. Microsoft hopes the emulator will give developers time to get their apps ready before the hardware launch. “Windows 10X is an expression of Windows 10 and for the first-time apps will run in containers to deliver non-intrusive updates and improved system resources for extended battery life,” explained Microsoft’s Kevin Gallo yesterday. It is worth noting that some apps simply won’t be allowed on Windows 10X because of how the platform is built. For example, apps that need to access system files and programs won’t be allowed because of the locked down nature of 10X.
Surface Duo SDK
Also at Microsoft 365 Developer Day, the company announced an update for the Surface Duo Preview SDK. Developers can now use drag and drop, while Android Studio, VS Code, and Visual Studio are all integrated. Finally, the SDK will now also work on macOS and Linux.
