Report: Microsoft to Talk Unified Code, Hybrid Phone/Laptop, More at Jan. 21 Event

Written by DH Kass 1
January 20, 2015

Microsoft will show off a single code base that enables an app to run across phones, tablets, PCs and the Xbox at a Windows 10 showcase on Wednesday, January 21.

More chatter has surfaced about exactly what Microsoft (MSFT) means by the Windows 10 “consumer experience” as the vendor preps to showcase the mobile version of the upcoming operating system at Wednesday’s company-headquarters event, the first big open house for the platform since a last-September preview.

The event, which will be streamed online, features remarks from chief executive Satya Nadella, Operating Systems Group executive vice president Terry Myerson, Windows Phone honcho Joe Belfiore and Xbox boss Phil Spencer.

Here’s the latest buzz:

At the top of the list is word from ZDNet that Microsoft will show off a single code base (referred to interally as OneCore) that enables an app to run across phones, tablets, PCs and the Xbox, rather than individually optimized for a particular format.

Other than the obvious, what’s the big deal about OneCore? Developers will be able to build universal apps to work across a range of devices, available from a single Microsoft app store rather than siloed by form factor. ZDNet reported that Microsoft still intends to produce Windows 10 in multiple versions, positioned by device and screen size.

While we’re on it, Microsoft also plans to consolidate its two app stores (one for PCs and another for Phones) into one outlet, according to The Information.

In addition, Microsoft will preview its latest version of Windows Phone, already released a “Phone Insider” app some 10 days ago similar to its Windows 10 Insider program in which users and partners can beta test an early version of Windows 10 for mobile phones, according to The Verge.

But the software won’t be available until sometime next month, ZDNet reported, citing sources indicating it is fashioned to work on Windows Phones and x86- and ARM-based tablets.

The vendor also will rollout a new phone/laptop hybrid aimed at enterprise customers, The Information said. The unit could include a roll out QWERTY keyboard, according to reports.

Two upcoming events at which Microsoft’s top brass likely will provide yet more information on its Windows 10 platform strategy are the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on March 2 – 5 and its own Build 2015 developer conference April 29 – May 1.