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Microsoft's Template Studio codes your Universal Windows apps for you
Back in 2015, Microsoft unveiled a visual way to write apps from a web browser without writing a single line of code. While the template-based Windows App Studio wasn't powerful enough to build the most beautiful interface, it did offer a glimpse into Windows development and an introduction to the Windows Store marketplace. Today, Microsoft announced the App Studio's successor, Windows Template Studio, is getting a fresh update to provide the same easy interface for building Universal Windows Platform apps.
Now you can create Windows 10 apps without writing a line of code
The Windows Store isn't exactly known for being a robust app marketplace, and Microsoft knows it. The company is always looking for new ways to attract developers to the platform. In the past, Microsoft made tools designed to port iOS and Android apps to Windows, and created the Universal app system that puts all Windows apps on the same platform. Now, Microsoft has updated its App Studio to allow users to create, prototype and submit an app for release from the comfort of a web browser -- without installing Visual Studio or writing a single line of code. It works, too: I just created a functional Windows 10 app in less than ten minutes.
Microsoft wants to make it easier to build Windows Phone apps
Last year, Microsoft created Windows App Studio to get more Windows Phone apps into its Store, and it worked -- developers added almost 50,000 new apps in 14 months. Redmond has just updated the beta web app with a feature that should help even more: Windows 8.1 sideloading. All you have to do is scan a certificate when generating a universal 8.1 app, and it'll install it automatically on your Windows Phone 8.1 device. The update also lets you generate apps in nine extra languages and brings new layouts and templates, among other tweaks. If you want to sign up, the requirements aren't strict -- you just need a Microsoft account and an uncontrollable urge to build Windows Phone apps. Give it a whirl right here.
Web-based Windows Phone dev tool has built 65,000 apps, gets upgraded with NFC
Some gave short shrift to Windows Phone App Studio beta when it launched in August, but its web based development tool is proving to be popular -- developers have already built 65,000 apps. Microsoft hopes to keep that momentum going with a slew of App Studio upgrades that should make these fast-track apps even more powerful. Beta users can now integrate other phone functions into their apps with simple, menu-driven "actions" that include context-aware tasks like dialing numbers. The update also enables NFC for beaming software to other App Studio users, and it's possible to earn money through the official Windows Phone ad kit. Those keen on using any of the beta's new tricks just have to sign into App Studio at the source link.
Deezer App Studio goes mobile, brings apps to Android and iOS listeners
As much as we like extending our music universe through apps within the likes of Deezer and Spotify, that wider experience hasn't usually carried over to mobile. Deezer, at least, thinks it can put those apps inside our pockets. App Studio now supports building add-ons for both Android and iOS devices, giving travelers music and social components beyond what Deezer can provide on its own. The company isn't relying just on phones and tablets to pad its customer base, though. It's also improving the behind-the-scenes framework to bolster gaming through its API, and an affiliate program will pay social app creators every time one of their users subscribes to Deezer. Us listeners will just have to wait for developers to implement App Studio and the API changes before we reap any potential rewards.
NSBasic/AppStudio now native on OS X
George Henne, the developer of the AppStudio development environment for NSBasic, has announced that the latest, just-released version of the software, version 3, now includes completely native support for Mac. AppStudio allows developers to use BASIC or Javascript to create iPhone or Android apps, but previously the IDE only ran on Windows. Now, the app is Mac-compatible, and any previously created apps should just work, no matter what platform they were created on. Sounds good to use. The AppStudio environment requires Mac OS 10.7 Lion or later, which hopefully you're already running. You can download a demo of the software, or pick up a single developer license for US$99.95, over on the main site.
Deezer announces 'App Studio' for developers, 'App Centre' store and Echo Nest partnership
Deezer may not be the number one player in the music streaming game, but it's looking to gain ground on its biggest rival with the release of its "App Studio." In addition to an "App Centre" for showcasing software that integrates the service's catalogue, developers "can now place feature-rich apps inside Deezer.com." The company also hopes that a partnership with Echo Nest should make it easier for devs to use music in their projects. A modest 8 items will be available in the App Centre at launch, including the edjing app for mixing Deezer tracks on virtual decks, and the cheeky Spotizr app for importing your Spotify playlist. The French streaming outfit has also been busy improving its social aspects in Facebook and through updates to its Android and iOS apps. Check out the PR below for more info on recent news, details on how to get developing, and the full list of launch-day App Centre wares.
