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Mary-Jo Foley
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Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones

By | June 9, 2011, 10:04am PDT

Summary: Just two months after delivering a tool to help developers port iPhone apps to Windows Phone 7, Microsoft is adding Android support to it.

Just two months after delivering a tool to help developers port iPhone apps to Windows Phone 7, Microsoft is adding Android support to it.

On June 9, Microsoft announced it is adding Android support to its API (application programming interface) Mapping Tool. Microsoft also is publishing a “Windows Phone 7 Guide for Android Application Developers” white paper, as well as “case studies and perspectives from developers like Chaotic Moon Studios and Groundspeak and Avalinx who have already ported existing applications created from Android or iOS to Windows Phone 7,” the Softies said.

Microsoft also plans to get more aggressive in participating in porting-related discussions in online forums like Stackoverflow and Windows Phone 7 Development to encourage more programmers to consider moving their apps to the Windows Phone platform. At last count, there are approximately 20,000 apps available in the Windows Phone Marketplace.

The mapping tool is similar to a translation dictionary. In April, Microsoft explained how it worked on the Windows Phone Developer Blog:

“With this tool, iPhone developers can grab their apps, pick out the iOS API calls, and quickly look up the equivalent classes, methods and notification events in WP7. A developer can search a given iOS API call and find the equivalent WP7 along with C# sample codes and API documentations for both platforms.”

The first iteration of the tool is focusing on network/Internet, user interface and management APIs. Microsoft officials said not to expect a mapping for all APIs, as the different phone platforms are built on different architectures and user interface.

“We are continuing to expand the scope of the API Mapping tool and the technical guidance. Our next step is to include the Mango features into the API Mapping tool (planned for this summer),” said Microsoft officials in a June 9 post to the Windows Phone Developer blog.

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Topics

Developer, Phone, Microsoft Windows Phone 7, API, Microsoft Windows Phone, Microsoft Corp., Tool, Microsoft Windows, Applie iOS, Operating Systems, Software, Mary Jo Foley

Mary Jo has covered the tech industry for more than 25 years for a variety of publications and Web sites, and is a frequent guest on radio, TV and podcasts, speaking about all things Microsoft-related. She is the author of Microsoft 2.0: How Microsoft plans to stay relevant in the post-Gates era (John Wiley & Sons, 2008).

Disclosure

Mary-Jo Foley

Freelance journalist/blogger Mary Jo Foley has nothing to disclose. WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get). I do not own Microsoft stock or stock in any of its partners or competitors. I have no business ventures that are sponsored by/funded by Microsoft or any of its partners or competitors.

Biography

Mary-Jo Foley

Mary Jo Foley has covered the tech industry for 25 years for a variety of publications, including ZDNet, eWeek and Baseline. She has kept close tabs on Microsoft strategy, products and technologies for the past 10 years. In the late 1990s, she penned the award-winning "At The Evil Empire" column for ZDNet, and more recently the Microsoft Watch blog for Ziff Davis.

Got a tip? Send her an email with your rants, rumors, tips and tattles. Confidentiality guaranteed.

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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
makrekdw87-24353647461810270232220173141352 Updated - 10th Nov
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0 Votes
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
mikroland Updated - 9th Jun
Awesome. Shows they are truly serious about the platform, unlike what the critics and comments were saying. You know comparing it to the Kin!!???
Give WP7 some time and it will be in the driver seat.
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DOA!
Linux Geek 9th Jun
@mikroland
Nobody leaves Android for windoze.
May be iOS.
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
ccrockett@... 9th Jun
@Linux Geek I left iOS for Android, and then moved to WP7. So, you are wrong. Oh and it is "maybe".
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Users don't care about OSes
rbethell 9th Jun
@Linux Geek Just look at the T-Mobile ads. That Android and iOS have cachet is as much due to the ecosystem they've built and the networks they run on. People won't adopt (or not adopt) Phone 7 based on its Microsoftness (I think XBox demonstrates that.)

It will have a lot to do with the caliber of phone the OS is or isn't on, and the carrier and social media features that can be accessed.
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
ClickHouse 9th Jun
@Linux Geek

I had a Sprint Evo (Android) and happily jumped ship to Sprint Arrive WP7, would never go back to Android.
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
nktran19@... 9th Jun
@Linux Geek
Android suck!!! I go for iOS and Winddows Phone anytime.
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Linux Geek has spoken, or is that.....
xuniL_z 9th Jun
mumbled like he's talking with a ham sandwich stuffed in his mouth.
Actually LG is a Windows user. He can't be Apple, the cult would have put out a hit on him by now for making their users look so much like they have tards among them, even though they obviously do, and the Linux world would not even tolerate him with the bad image he gives Linux by playing such a doomas.
I think he's probably a smart Windows user that is trying to give open source a bad name by association.
Way to go LG, every time you open your mouth against Windows, another herd of Linux users rush to Windows.
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
Raid6 Updated - 9th Jun
@Linux Geek

I didn't leave Android For WP7 because I chose NOT to buy an Android "powered" device. My choice was easy when I actually demoed a WP7.

In fact I was initially turned off of WP7 when looking at the photographs, back when it was not even in anyone's hands to review. I wasn't sure after I saw video reviews.

But when I used it, oh yeah, I was sold. This depsite the initial short comings including no copy/cut/paste and a handful of other features.

Android is what exactly? Well it depends on the version, the carrier, the platform screen size, and so much more.

iOS and WP7 have the clear and distint advangate of starting off being mature and offering standards that developers (and users) can depend on.

Standards, that really does mean something with mobile computing.
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
ItsTheBottomLine 9th Jun
@Linux Geek Thank you. You are so out there every time you "predict" the total opposite happens. And BTW that would be maybe...goofball. Oh your Fry basket is beeping better get back inside smoke break is over.
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
Wolf_Lodge 9th Jun
@Linux Geek I recently moved from WM6.5 to WP7 (waiting on Verizon) and love this phone. Not perfect but very happy so far in almost every way. Business partner was on Android owner for last 2+ years and also just moved to WP7 (Verizon again) and he's very happy with his new phone. Still a bit to learn and missing a few apps but he thinks he can either find them or they'll be ported soon enough. I like the Outlook/Exchange integration but do miss tethered option for local sync. Games On in this space which is good news for end users no matter which platform you choose - more choice, price / feature competition, innovation.
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You people replying to Linux Geek need to learn something...
adornoe@... Updated - 10th Jun
and that is that, he gets his kicks by making ridiculous statements and then watching all of you guys & gals issue your defensive and exalted responses. He's in it for the pure pleasure that comes from arousing anger in those that he knows will come quickly come to the defense of that which he attacked or demeaned. He's just busting your chops, and you should be smart enough to realize it from the way that he structures his simple posts. Besides, reading his posts, how can anybody conclude that he actually believes anything he writes?

A lot of threads like this would end up being a lot shorter if people didn't take people like Linux Geek seriously and just ignored him.
0 Votes
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It is a logical idea
Mister Spock 9th Jun
@mikroland

Taking a finished Android app, and allowing it to more easily be ported over to WP7 is a smart move on Microsoft's part as both Microsoft and the developers win.

Microsoft receives another app for the Marketplace, and developers have yet another avenue to profit from, with a savings in developement as the majority of the work has been done early on.

plain
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
DonRupertBitByte 9th Jun
@mikroland

I would rather own an iPhone than a Windows Mobile 7 phone, but as a happy Epic 4G user, I won't make that decision anytime soon.
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
xnederlandx 9th Jun
@DonRupertBitByte
I often cringe when people write "Windows Mobile 7". It makes it seem like Windows Phone 7 just an "update" to Windows Mobile 6.5... and it shows they are not informed about the platform at all. It is "Windows Phone 7"!
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
Bit-Smacker Updated - 13th Jun
@mikroland
With only Android SDK experience, I refuse to look at iOS since Apple forces you to buy Mac equipment, as well as a yearly SDK subscription, just to write and publish iPhone apps. It comes out to a minimum of $1,500 just to see if you want to even bother writing iPhone apps.

Is the WP7 SDK freely available like Android's, or is it a closed money-making scam like Apple's? If I can download it for free and run it with VS2010, I might give it a shot...
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How is this tool licensed?
FeralUrchin 9th Jun
Does MS want a piece of developers' IP in return for use of the tool? How does MS charge developers for space in the Windows Phone market? What's in this for MS besides being able to trumpet a "large number" of apps in their online store?
0 Votes
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Its no great mystery
rbethell 9th Jun
@FeralUrchin They want $99 a year (similar to Apple), and they waive that if you get two apps approved.
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Like Cassandra said, "Beware Microsofties bearing 'free' APIs..."
Justa Notherguy Updated - 9th Jun
@FeralUrchin

Exactly.

Kids - remember to always get your parents' permission before wandering off by yourself into (proprietary) .NETland.

And if you're ever approached by a sweaty, baldheaded stranger who promises to "help leverage your off-brand expertise" or to "open your mind to other platforms and development languages", you should (1) stall him by asking logical questions (ie: "Why is there no migration path for Windows Mobile?") and then (2) run as fast as you can to find a policeman...better still, a lawyer who specializes in developer agreements as they relate to IP conveyance and dilution.

.NETland is a dangerous place - let's be careful, out there.
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
Raid6 9th Jun
@Justa Notherguy

And the Android and Open Source equivalent to .NET Framework is what exactly?
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
bitcrazed 9th Jun
@Raid6. Since the CLR, CLI and C# are open, international standards, anyone can build and distribute their own implementation of these standards. Microsoft ships theirs as .NET. For Linux, Android and OSX, there's Mono (http://www.mono-project.com).
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
Raid6 Updated - 9th Jun
@bitcrazed

C# is not a framework or standard, it is a programming language.

Mono is an incomplete implementation (copy) of .NET that must always try to stay caught up (copy) with .NET when a developer could simply develop in .NET and not have to worry.

"...anyone can build and distribute their own implementation of these standards."

That is my point, anyone can create their own standards! How does that further the value of having standards when there are so many "implementations of standards"?

And it is everyone having their own standards that creates the glass ceiling that prevents the Linux kernel from ever being the kernel of a truly successful mainstream operating system.
0 Votes
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I fail to see how another fiction writer like yourself
Mister Spock 9th Jun
@Justa Notherguy

adds anything of importance to these blogs.

plain
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
nt_prashant@... 9th Jun
@Justa Notherguy

Well the migration path doesn't exist because 1) its not upto MS to create the tools, its responsiblilty of Google and Apple 2) And yes, Andriod and IOS dominate the apps world currently, so they don't see a real threat as of now, so not focused, maybe later.
How can .Netland be dangerous. Windows is the biggest developer platform. If its dangerous, seems most of the folks like to play dangerously.
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
snoop0x7b 10th Jun
@Justa Notherguy He might start screaming "DEVELOPERS DEVELOPERS DEVELOPERS" at you... Or possibly throw a chair. Depends on if he's happy or angry.
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
Cylon Centurion 9th Jun
I want to see "WarDrive" ported to WP7. That one little app actually has me debating about buying a Droid come the 19th.
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
browser. 9th Jun
That stinks! So, not only they copy from other phones and put up a stinky Metro UI [ from my perspective], they have the guts to put a mapping tool to showcase how well they have copied. Anyone remember Java Language Conversion Assistant for .Net. At least .Net improved a lot upon the copied Java port, while Java stood still!
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
snoop0x7b 10th Jun
@browser. Java's just fine. In fact last I checked .NET is still playing catch up to JEE... Linq? What did that come out 2 years ago? We've had JPA for years and years...
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
Grayson Peddie 9th Jun
Sorry Microsoft, but Android wins since I don't have to pay $99 a year to publish applications! grin
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
owlnet Updated - 9th Jun
@Grayson Peddie
Microsoft do test each and every app to make sure it meet proper standards and ensure no malware is the market place.

Installing an Android app is like giving your wallet to a theif.
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
willfordcr 9th Jun
@Grayson Peddie
You cry for $99? I suppose the Android market is worse than I thought! How much are you making, like $20 a week?

So sorry man, I am a programmer living in the 3rd world and $100 doesn't sound like a lot of money to me, probably could get like 2 lap dances for it.
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
tonymcs@... 9th Jun
@Grayson Peddie

Now be honest, when was the last time you developed anything - if at all.

I already have one game on WP7 and the process was the easiest we've ever had.
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Do you know the meaning of the term "Tax Deduction"???
Wolfie2K3 11th Jun
@Grayson Peddie
Hmm..??
0 Votes
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Hilarious Microsloth needs ports of iOS and Android apps
GoPower 9th Jun
This company is soo lost...
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
Those who hunt Trolls 9th Jun
@GoPower
Even if the platform doesn't have traction like the other two do, I think it's a smart idea. They do need ports because honestly, if the developer can port a good app to the WP7 platform, that's a win for MS and developers and users.
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Said the unemployed man to the billionaire.
Mister Spock 9th Jun
@GoPower
plain
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Best of luck finding a job then.
B.O.F.H. 9th Jun
@Mister Spock

Sorry to hear that you lost your job, how long has it been?
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
LoverockDavidson 9th Jun
Good for Microsoft for taking this step in aiding the linux developers. You would never see it the other way around where linux would aid Microsoft in any way.
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
FlatbushE21 9th Jun
@LoverockDavidson
U see it here, all these Linux idiots bashing Microsoft because they want to make a better product. Lol
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
Raid6 Updated - 9th Jun
@LoverockDavidson

That is a great point. Of course it wouldn't be "Linux" offer support for developers to port applications from WP7 to Android...it'd be Google offering to support them.

Chances are Google would hire developers though if the app portfolio libraries were balanced differently since Google is a fierce competitor.

One point that I cannot get over is how the fact that Android is just a stinking mess with an utter lack of standards and security that rarely gets mentioned.

I'd never eat an Android cookie, too many potentially filthy hands have been reaching into the cookie jar.

I am absolutely no fan of Apple, to put it mildly, but Apple and MS both have put the customers first in ensuring that there is an App approval process which is providing solid development tools and standards.

The winner is the consumer!

Better apps, actual standards, better security...The Android market place is as civil as an AC/DC concert with festival seating.
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
nbkz81f 9th Jun
If you can't beat them, join them.
0 Votes
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
roni5000 9th Jun
On WP7 am I going to have to run 27 different anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-malware and firewall programs to keep me protected? That's what I do on my desktop and still somehow got a UPS delivery notification in my inbox that brought the whole IT dept., my boss and 3 other directors to my desk.
0 Votes
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
ALISON SMOCK 9th Jun
@roni5000: no.
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
kris_stapley@... 10th Jun
@roni5000
People like you shouldn't own a computer. I haven't run AV software for 6 years and haven't had a single problem related to malware.
0 Votes
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History Repeats Itself
jamesroyer 10th Jun
Back when WordPerfect was the dominate word processor, Microsoft Word supported a myriad of file formats - both reading and writing. When MS Word had 50% market share, suddenly they forgot how to be compatible.

Just shows that Microsoft is capable of interoperability - but only when it suits them. Now if they could only remember how SMB works and document it for the EU.

James Royer
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Really?
Wolfie2K3 11th Jun
@jamesroyer
Now that's odd. I just fired up a copy of Word XP and opened up a standard Word doc. I then clicked on File | Save As and took a quick look at the drop down box for formats supported... Besides the obvious Word 97 - 2003 format, there's also

Word 2007 (though that is with the backward compatability kit)
Word Perfect for Windows 5.x
WordPerfect 5.1 for DOS
MS Works
Rich Text Format
MS Word 2.x for Windows
HTML
MHTML
and a few other esoteric flavors of document format. About the only ones missing are Samna/Lotus Ami Pro and OpenOffice's native format.

By the time Word XP came around, you could say it was already pretty much "game over" for those other formats - and yet, Microsoft still kept those formats in there for the sake of compatability.

So... What was it you were saying about Microsoft and interoperability? Oh yeah.. Nothing but unfounded FUD...
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
Jimster480 10th Jun
One of the problems with Android is due to its Java based apps, they are not hard to port to other platforms. Which I guess is both good and Bad for Android. As it makes more developers want to make apps for Android but it also means there will be less exclusive apps for Android.
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RE: Microsoft aids developers in porting Android apps to Windows Phones
snoop0x7b 10th Jun
I find this kind of amusing... Android didn't really have trouble attracting new developers, but Microsoft has tried everything to get more developers and the response thus far has been lackluster. It seems like every week there's a new way in which Microsoft is throwing money at Windows Phone 7, I don't know how long this strategy is sustainable or how well it will work.

Maybe this will work out for them, we'll see... But it's still amusing to watch.
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Particle SDK
ParticleCode 11th Jun
Just wanted to mention Particle Code's recently launched public beta of the Particle SDK which allows developers to create iOS, Android and WP7 (among other) apps from one Java or AS3 code base.

Has anyone heard of or tried it? We'd love your feedback as you begin (or continue) migrating to WP7. We're rooting for the OS which seems so far to be pretty slick (minus a few missing features like micro-payments and sockets which should be in the Mango update and available to users soon.)

Thanks!
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