Microsoft has announced at its Build 2023 conference the expansion of WebView2 benefits to HoloLens 2 and Xbox. WebView2, powered by Microsoft Edge, offers developers the advantages of web and native features within their applications, including code-sharing capabilities, access to the web ecosystem, and utilization of native capabilities.
WebView2 allows to embed web content in native applications. It is based on the Chromium open-source project and uses the Microsoft Edge (Chromium) browser as the rendering engine. WebView2 provides a consistent web platform for all Windows applications across different versions of Windows and Microsoft Edge. With WebView2 one can use the latest web standards and features within applications, such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and WebAssembly. WebView2 also supports hosting web content in hybrid applications that combine web and native UI elements.
In collaboration with Microsoft, the remote access and remote control computer software Teamviewer has already started to take benefit of WebView2.
Performance Boost of Up to 20%
During the conference, Microsoft highlighted their adoption of WebView2 due to its numerous benefits, including enhanced security, reusable architecture, advanced debugging tools, and memory savings. Microsoft says their internal research and testing revealed that using new APIs resulted in a remarkable memory reduction of up to 20%.
The WebView2 Preview is now available in the HoloLens 2 Insider Preview, allowing developers to display dynamic web content within spatially aware and app-integrated 3D applications. Furthermore, Xbox will also receive WebView2 support later this year, benefiting media app developers by offering a better remote debugging experience, improved performance, and support for modern web features. This update will facilitate the migration from the old EdgeHTML WebView, ensuring a more seamless and enhanced user experience.
WebView2 Brings Web-Features Into Hybrid Apps
WebView2's key feature, the ability to embed web technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) in native apps, empowers developers to create hybrid applications. This approach provides the advantages of both web and native apps, offering a broad reach across platforms while accessing the powerful capabilities of a native platform. By utilizing WebView2, developers can incorporate web code into various parts of their native app or build the entire native app within a WebView2 instance.
The benefits of WebView2 are numerous. Developers gain access to the extensive web ecosystem, including libraries, tooling, and talent, enabling them to leverage the full potential of web development and rapid innovation. WebView2 ensures compatibility with both Windows 10 and Windows 11, ensuring a consistent user experience across Microsoft's latest operating systems. Additionally, developers can tap into native capabilities by accessing the complete set of Native APIs.
Code-Sharing for Multi-Platform Development
WebView2 also facilitates code-sharing, allowing for increased code reuse across multiple platforms and reducing development effort. Microsoft provides comprehensive support for WebView2 and actively incorporates new feature requests on supported platforms.
With evergreen distribution, developers can rely on an up-to-date version of Chromium, benefiting from regular platform updates and security patches. Alternatively, fixed version distribution enables the option to package a specific version of the Chromium bits within the app. WebView2 enables developers to adopt web components incrementally, adding them piece-by-piece to their applications as needed.
