Microsoft applies for App Migration utility

[George P Global Moderator]

It seems Microsoft has been thinking for a long time about the conundrum users encounter when moving to a new platform ? which are the good apps on their new platform, and do replacements for their current ones even exist.

In a November 2010 patent application Microsoft describes a service which would analyze the apps on your Android device for example, and then find the same apps (if the cross-platform version exists) and install them all at the same time, and if the same app does not exist offer known alternatives.

If no alternative exists the service would keep a record, and notify the user when this app does become available.

The service would even attempt to migrate the app data from the Android app to the Windows Phone app, though of course this is much easier said than done.

The service could also be used for promotional purposes, to demonstrate to users on other platforms that alternatives to their apps do in fact exist on Windows Phone, and if they do not, notify them if the blocking app does become available.

With Windows Phone marketplace soon reaching the 100,000 milestone, the likelihood of app alternatives existing for Android and iOS apps is increasing exponentially, and a service like this, if it could be implemented, would make it clear concerns about the absence of apps are largely unfounded.

http://wmpoweruser.com/microsoft-applies-for-app-migration-utility/

[Glassed Silver]

Great idea, indeed.

See guys, this is why important data always gets its local copy on my Mac, too.

Migrate-able just the way I want it to be. :)

Glassed Silver:mac

[Prince Charming]

This is awesome. Kind of amazed it isn't already patented.

[George P Global Moderator]

This is awesome. Kind of amazed it isn't already patented.

Seeing how it's been almost 2 years since the filling I wouldn't be surprised to find out this is something they bring out with WP8 as well.

[Prince Charming]

Seeing how it's been almost 2 years since the filling I wouldn't be surprised to find out this is something they bring out with WP8 as well.

Quite possibly. Windows 8 will be big; it's not just another Windows release (which is always big), it's also Windows Tablets (for serious this time!), Windows Phone 8 (which Is likely to be the serious competitor in the market it should be. Microsoft usually nail it second time around), and getting people into the Microsoft online ecosystem. It's going to be a massive cross platform launch, and they're going to need compelling reasons to draw people in. This could well be one of them!

[zeta_immersion]

Looks interesting, didn't know W8 packed so many changes/features .... though (not a fan of Metro) there will be a lot of crying at release about this/that not working, drivers and what not (just to name a few)