Thoughts on Windows 8 Metro applications

I've been investigating Windows 8's new Metro application since the first developer previews, and have also developed several application prototypes which I hope to finalize into working applications later on. Overall, I've been happy to work with Windows 8 Metro development using C# and XAML code. As an alternative, the developer could utilize native C++ or HTML/CSS/JavaScript.

Being familiar with Windows Phone 7 development, working with Metro applications has been easy enough – if you keep in mind that XAML in WP7 is different from XAML in Metro. Similarly, there are new APIs to master (Windows Runtime or WinRT), but nothing more difficult than getting to know new .NET APIs once a new version gets published.

The main thing I think could be improved is that compatibility with existing Windows Phone 7 APIs. For instance, gps location reading (geolocation) is done with different classes in Windows 8 Metro and Windows Phone 7. It would be great if these two platforms could be united, but then again, this could happen actually quite soon. The rumors have it that later this year, we're wiser.

By the way, I'm helping Microsoft to host local Windows 8 developer events around Finland. For details about the locations, see the local Microsoft Finland events page. The sessions are part of the "Geeks on Slates" tour. Welcome!