Today, at Microsoft Connect(); we spoke about the work we have been doing to align the concepts and tags that can be shared between Microsoft’s XAML UI systems. With Windows 10 XAML and Xamarin.Forms, we expose the full and unique capabilities of each platform. Xamarin.Forms focuses on native mobile experiences and exposing the common subset of controls and capabilities needed most by mobile developers. Windows 10 XAML and WPF are optimized for native Windows experiences, including the most rich and demanding experiences optimized for use with mouse, keyboard and touch. We are releasing a preview of Xamarin.Forms which includes additional APIs that advance XAML Standard, including new types names and properties for common elements you will recognize from Windows 10 XAML. I encourage you to check out the APIs at: aka.ms/xamlstandard and provide us with your feedback. We look forward to working with you.

Connect(); Sessions

Tomorrow, on November 16th, you can view two Connect(); 2017 live sessions online to learn more about how to create beautiful and engaging applications. In “Engaging with your customers on any platform using the Microsoft Graph, Activity Feed, and Adaptive Cards” you’ll learn how customers’ lives are made more seamless through Microsoft Graph and Project Rome. Allowing customers to use Windows, Android and iOS together ensures continuity in busy lifestyles. Next, you’ll learn about the benefits Bots and Adaptive Cards bring to that same customer, as well as the businesses they are interacting with. And finally, we’ll show you how unique Windows experiences like Notifications and Timeline run smoothly and are quick and easy to integrate with Adaptive Cards. Be sure to tune in at 11 a.m. PST to learn about all of these rich features.

In our next session, also on November 16 at 12pm PST, we show you how to make your applications more beautiful. “Building amazing applications with the Fluent Design System” helps you transform your applications to be engaging, modern and visually rich. It includes the UX building blocks, guidelines, tools and end-to-end support developers need. You will learn how easy it is to use familiar technologies like XAML and C# to create applications that bring the Fluent Design System to life on Windows 10 across a range of devices and inputs. We will cover the different elements of the design system and how to use the latest controls, animations, effects and other platform capabilities to captivate your customers and maximize their productivity. To learn more about the features, visit: http://developer.microsoft.com/design.

Wrapping up

Last month, we shipped the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update SDK – we created tools and APIs to help developers build applications that will make customers want to engage and re-engage with your application – driving future growth and retention. We are constantly taking in your feedback and making Windows 10 a better place for all developers.