Windows Phone hasn't managed to achieve the kind of developer mindshare of Apple's iOS or Google Play, but if the early Twitter reaction is any indication, Microsoft may have much better success with its new Windows Holographic effort.
In a recent launch event, the Seattle-based company announced its forthcoming Windows Holographic, an all-purpose platform that was specifically developed with mobile use cases in mind. A key component of that was the HoloLens, a piece of smart eyewear that would allow users to interact with Windows Holographic in unusual ways.
The response from developers on social media was immediate--and surprisingly impressed:
Uh, developers? Hololens looks absolutely fascinating. Woah. http://t.co/k2Ii0fgZtS
— Cory House (@housecor) January 22, 2015
@benlower sign me up!
— Jay Kannan (@jaykannan) January 21, 2015
Microsoft said it would begin allowing developers to start creating for the platform this spring, but it can't come early enough for some:
I am drooling just thinking of the apps that will be built for HoloLens http://t.co/iMqhfhakMa
— Miguel de Icaza (@migueldeicaza) January 22, 2015
Can we write apps for HoloLens? #businessexpense
— Laurent Sansonetti (@lrz) January 21, 2015
I can't imagine Microsoft needing to worry about wooing developers into building HoloLens apps. Make the dev kits cheap, WE WILL COME!
— Cariad Eccleston (@cariadeccleston) January 21, 2015
Wishing I could start developing Hololens apps this minute!
— Guillaume Bokiau (@GuillaumeBokiau) January 22, 2015
Although it will take some time before the next version of Windows is properly launched and adopted by the mass market, Microsoft has certainly primed the pump for its upcoming Build conference.
As a developer, I am incredibly excited for HoloLens and the new Universal Apps. I can't wait for BUILD #Windows10
— Edwin Xeon Gutierrez (@Kerinova_Xeon) January 22, 2015