What's a Windows Runtime app?
Before we start talking about the unique features of Windows Runtime apps, let's talk a bit about the different types of apps and the devices they run on. You might have seen a lot of different terms for Windows apps, such as "Windows Runtime apps", "Windows Phone Store apps", and "Windows Store apps". What do they mean?
Let's start with Windows Runtime apps. A Windows Runtime app is an app that uses the Windows Runtime and runs on a Windows device (such as a PC or tablet) or a Windows Phone. We call a Windows Runtime app that runs on PCs, laptops, and tablets a Windows Store app. We call a Windows Runtime app that runs on the Windows Phone a Windows Phone Store app.
Windows Store apps
A Windows Store apps is a Windows Runtime app that runs on Windows devices (like PCs, tablets, or laptops) and can be sold in the Windows Store.
Windows Phone Store apps
A Windows Phone Store app is a Windows Runtime app that runs on Windows Phones and can be sold in the Windows Phone Store.
So, what's a universal Windows app?
Current versions of Visual Studio provide a universal Windows app template that lets you create a Windows Store app (for PCs, tablets, and laptops) and a Windows Phone Store app in the same project. When your work is finished, you can produce app packages for the Windows Store and Windows Phone Store with a single action to get your app out to customers on any Windows device Universal Windows apps The Universal Windows apps template lets you easily create a Windows Store app and a Windows Phone Store app from a single project. For more info about building universal Windows apps, see Building universal Windows apps for all Windows devices. Now that you know what Windows Runtime apps are, let's talk about what makes them special
Use a language you already know
You can create Windows Runtime apps using the programming languages you're most familiar with, like JavaScript, C#, Visual Basic, or C++. You can even write components in one language and use them in an app that's written in another language. Windows Runtime apps can use the Windows Runtime, a native API built into the operating system. This API is implemented in C++ and supported in JavaScript, C#, Visual Basic, and C++ in a way that feels natural for each language.
Windows Runtime apps apps come to life on Windows
On Windows, your app can deliver relevant, real-time info to your users and keep them coming back for more. In the modern app economy, your app has to be engaging to stay at the front of your users’ lives. Windows provides you with lots of resources to help keep your users returning to your app:
- Live tiles and the lock screen show contextually relevant and timely info at a glance.
- Push notifications bring real-time, breaking alerts to your user’s attention when they're needed.
- On Windows Phone, the new Action Center is a place where you can organize and display notifications and content that users need to take action on.
- Background execution and triggers bring your app to life just when the user needs it.
- Your app can use voice and Bluetooth LE devices to help users interact with the world around them.
Monetize your app your way
On Windows, you can choose how you'll monetize your app—across phones, tablets, and PCs. We give you a number of ways to make money with your app and the services it delivers. All you need to do is choose the one that works best for you:
- A paid download is the simplest option. Just name your price.
- Trials give you a unique way to let users try your app before buying it, providing easier discoverability and conversion than the more traditional "freemium" options.
- In-app purchase offers you the most flexibility for monetizing your app.