Microsoft has a big name, but it is struggling to get the big name into mobile. With Android and iOS conquering most of the market, Microsoft is having with a small portion of what's left. With it's repeated failures in getting more developers to Windows, Microsoft has another strategy.
The company just added a new tool to its arsenal for fixing Windows Phone's app gap: an Android app. Called "AppComparison", the simple app that is just a few megabytes in size is meant to bolster cross-platform development for Android and Windows OS. With the app, Android users can check whether the apps they use on the Android smartphones are also available on Windows.
"Are you considering changing your Android device to Windows Phone? AppComparison identifies your favourite Android apps and matches them with apps available from the Microsoft Store. The application also introduces you to some of the most popular Windows Phone applications," explained the app on Google's Play Store.
AppComparison has a basic layout and is very easy to use. After being installed and launched for the first time, users are required to select a list of categories that include: Entertainment, Education, Games, Health & Fitness, Lifestyle, News & Weather, Photo & Video, Productivity, Sports, Travel, and Friends & Family. Clicking/tapping on the "Start matching!" button will provide a list of apps that are available on both Android and Windows-based devices.
Apple has done a similar strategy with its "Switch to iOS" app on Google Play. The app provides a similar feature. But what makes Microsoft AppComparison different is that the app is Microsoft attempt to influence Android users, not making them loyal or convert "happily" in the foreseeable future.
The move provides insights to users who are wanting to shift from Android to Windows. Despite the number isn't that promising.
Projects With A Big Ambition
One of the biggest issue for Microsoft with its Windows 10 mobile is its lack of apps. With the lack of apps, Microsoft is struggling to get its $7 billion spent to acquire Nokia back.
Google with Android and Apple with iOS play an important role in the mobile universe. The two powers most of the "smart" devices all around the world while others, including Microsoft with Windows for mobile, are getting a significantly smaller portion of the market.
The mobile industry is indeed growing and massively profitable to those that can get their hands on the ever-growing market. Android and iOS had an early start to success, Microsoft lags but isn't at all giving up as the company already stands for its big name.
Previously, Microsoft has tried an attempt by allowing Android apps to run on Windows 10 with a tool it introduced. But the emulator app has been delayed because of security issues, technical problems and weak app ports.
The "Switch to Windows Phone" app in 2013 was not at all efficient as it failed to show all apps compatible to both platforms.
Another attempt was Project Astoria bridge that went out for tests in August 2015. But as it was introduced as a way to bring few of Android's services to Windows, people are figuring out ways to install Google Mobile Services instead. The news came disappointing to Microsoft and the project failed to continue.
On the other hand, Microsoft also has Project IslandWood for iOS, which is meant to get iOS apps to Windows. The project is close to completion. And AppComparison is yet another way for Microsoft to get to know the apps user want the most, and help streamline future prospects of development.
This news is an excitement for Microsoft as it aims for a bigger goal: getting Windows 10 on 1 billion devices.
When there is an upside, there is always a downside of things. The app is still early and needs many further developments and improvements. But the problem is not just coming from the app. Microsoft is still lacking the support of mobile developers. Furthermore, convincing people by saying "app gap" is no more by showing off how many of users' Android apps are available on Windows won't convince much. The reason is basic: there aren't many apps on Windows that exists to convince people in the first place.
Athough there may not be much on Windows now, the apps aims for the future. If one day Windows is able to get the number of apps it wants, the app will indeed comes in handy. In the meantime, the goal of the app is to point out that the number of apps for Windows 10-enabled phones is growing by highlighting the apps people might find there.