Microsoft has been actively working to finalize options for off-platform developers whose apps are currently running on Android and iOS to boost application support for Windows 10 Mobile’s release. But, as we’ve seen, the Android porting bridge, codenamed Astoria, has been shelved with no active timeframe for completion. Meanwhile, the port bridge for Win32 apps, codenamed Centennial, has had a time frame set for sometime in 2016. Project Westminster, which is aimed at bringing hosted web apps to the Windows platform, has also been available for developers for some time now. However, the fifth and lesser-known bridge for porting was just released by Microsoft and Mobilize.net today. Enter, the Silverlight bridge.
Microsoft, according to ZDNet, has officially published the manual instructions for developers to convert Silverlight apps built for Windows Phone 8.1 and make them compatible with the Universal Windows Platform (UWP for short). The automatic tools for doing this were developed by Microsoft partner, Mobilize.net. Microsoft’s page regarding the Silverlight conversion process and tools offer a list of steps to follow for making a Silverlight apps written in either XAML, .NET, or .HTML formats, compatible with the UWP, as well as making clear that there are exceptions to the porting process. Specifically, Microsoft notes that Lens apps and Microsoft XNA have now UWP equivalent and offer documentation regarding the features.
While the manual process is available to those with a fuller skill set and a little more know-how, Mobilize.net yesterday officially released a preview of their automated conversion tool for developers to quickly and easily bring their apps to the UWP for users on the Windows 10 platform. Both methods are equally viable as options for developers to bring Windows Phone 8.1 Silverlight apps to the UWP, and as of now, are listed as developer previews by Microsoft but should still work as intended.
