HomeWinBuzzer NewsMicrosoft's Latest SDK Helps Mac Developers Build Apps for Surface Duo

Microsoft’s Latest SDK Helps Mac Developers Build Apps for Surface Duo

Microsoft has rolled out the Surface Duo SDK and emulator to macOS, letting developers on both platforms optimize apps before its launch later this year.

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is expanding its SDK to macOS. The release comes just a week after the kit's launch on Windows and will hold the same functionality.

The main purpose of the bundled APIs is to aid in the development of apps for dual-screen devices. On Surface Duo, optimizing for its screen is especially important because it doesn't have a flexible display. Instead, both screens have a bezel between them that could impact applications if not properly accounted for.

Microsoft has previously confirmed that all existing apps will work on the Duo, but their functionality will be limited without developer support. Apps that don't make use of the SDK will run on a single screen, rather than spanning across both, like the company showed with its Outlook demos. As you'll still be able to multi-task, the lack of spanning isn't a massive deal, but it could certainly help for some applications.

The included native Java APIs include DisplayMask, Hingle Angle Sensor, and more. Assumedly, the latter will let devs discern whether the device is folded back on itself and adjust the app to suit.

Alongside the Windows SDK, Microsoft introduced a Surface Duo emulator. With it, developers can see how their apps will behave on the device before it even releases.

As well as the device itself, the company is encouraging web developers to look at Chromium Edge, which contains specific features for dual-screen development. It plans to release its Windows 10X emulator on February 11th, with additions for its dual-screen Windows device, the .

The early announcement of the devices last year was primarily for releases like this. The hope is that by giving devs the tools early, the devices will launch with a significant suite of fully compatible apps. Whether developers will consider it worth the time investment remains to be seen.

Last Updated on April 9, 2020 10:07 am CEST by Markus Kasanmascheff

Ryan Maskell
Ryan Maskellhttps://ryanmaskell.co.uk
Ryan has had a passion for gaming and technology since early childhood. Fusing the skills from his Creative Writing and Publishing degree with profound technical knowledge, he enjoys covering news about Microsoft. As an avid writer, he is also working on his debut novel.

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