Windows 8 device experience white papers

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Windows Store device apps white papers for Windows 8

Windows 8 lets device manufacturers create a Windows Store device app that serves as a companion to their device. Windows Store device apps can automatically install the first time a device is plugged in and have more capabilities than regular Windows Store apps. Device apps are able to leverage the full range of functionality of a device and can perform privileged operations. See the following papers to learn how you can build one.

  • Windows Store device apps lifecycle discusses the deployment, acquisition, update, and uninstall process for Windows Store device apps for Windows 8. It assumes the reader is familiar with Windows Store device apps.

  • Windows Store device apps design guide for specialized devices internal to the PC provides an overview of the components of a Windows Store device app for a specialized device internal to the PC, and also provides design guidance for different types of specialized devices. A range of design patterns for developing specialized devices is available, from using in-box device drivers to providing custom functionality through proprietary device drivers.

  • Windows Store device apps for cameras provides steps and guidelines for developing a Windows Store device app for camera, including the Driver MFT extension that provides custom effects.

  • Considerations for Driver MFT implementations on multi-pin cameras provides information about how IHVs and system OEMs can use Windows 8 to create video processing plug-ins in the form of an MFT.

  • Identifying the location of internal cameras provides requirements for identifying the physical location of built-in cameras that OEMs must implement so that internal cameras or webcams function as intended in Windows 8.

  • Windows Store device apps for printers includes a tutorial on authoring a device metadata package and some detailed programming examples. This paper also shows how to design and develop Print Settings and Notification dialogs for the Windows Store device app.

Device metadata white papers for Windows 8

In Windows 8, device metadata creates the link between a particular device and its Windows Store device app. Windows automatically downloads Device Metadata from the Windows Metadata Internet Service (WMIS). See the following papers to learn how device metadata works.

  • Device Metadata Package Pipeline describes how to install and use a device metadata package for the Windows 7 and Windows 8 device experience features. This document is intended to be used both as a tutorial and as a reference guide. It provides information on how to install a metadata package, how to debug device metadata package errors, how the Device Metadata Retrieval Client (DMRC) selects a metadata package, and how the DMRC uses the metadata cache.

  • Device Metadata Package Schema Reference for Windows 8 provides information for independent hardware vendors (IHVs), OEMs, and network carriers about files in device metadata packages, which are used to display device-specific information in the Windows operating system.

Mobile broadband application experience white papers for Windows 8

Windows 8 simplifies mobile broadband connectivity for users, while offering new opportunities for mobile network operators. Users enjoy a streamlined, consistent connection experience while mobile network providers enjoy the ability to highlight their value-added services. With built-in mobile broadband capabilities, Windows 8 reduces the need to develop traditional connection management apps.

The links below lists whitepapers you need to ensure that your mobile broadband hardware is ready for Windows 8 and to enable you to develop your mobile operator app.

  • Automatic Connection Management describes how Windows 8 automatically selects a network connection when multiple connections such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and mobile broadband interfaces are simultaneously available.

  • Building Portable Hotspots for Windows 8 provides guidelines for device manufacturers to offer experiences on a Wi-Fi hotspot backed by Mobile Broadband (including a mobile phone) similar to what Windows would offer on a native Mobile Broadband connection.

  • Creating a Website for Mobile Broadband Setup provides information about how a website can be used for mobile broadband plan purchase and setup with the Windows 8.

  • Designing User Experience of Mobile Operator Apps provides user experience design guidelines for creating apps to enable self-activation, to provide subscribers with up-to-date information on their account, to communicate to subscribers about the operator’s products and services, and to enable subscribers to manage their mobile broadband account and service.

  • Development Guide to Creating Mobile Operator Apps provides information about how to get started developing a mobile operator app and includes guidelines on how to create service metadata to customize certain elements of the Windows 8 native connection manager.

  • Matching Service Metadata for MVNO Scenarios provides MNOs or MVNOs an understanding of how service metadata is matched with mobile broadband hardware.

  • Mobile Broadband SMS provides information about the Mobile Broadband SMS text messaging platform for Windows 8. It provides guidelines for mobile network operators and app developers to use SMS to send and receive text messages using a mobile broadband network adapter.

  • Mobile Operator Hardware Guidelines for Windows 8 provides information about supported mobile broadband hardware for Windows 8. It provides guidelines for mobile operators to develop hardware specifications to be communicated to their partner hardware vendors.

  • Mobile Operator Notifications and System Events provides information about the Mobile Operator Notification system for Windows 8 and provides guidelines for mobile operators to develop Windows Store device apps that effectively handle SMS, USSD, and other relevant network notifications.

  • Overview of Mobile Broadband in Windows 8 gives you an overview of how Windows 8 enables operators to combine mobile broadband and other operator-relevant hardware with Windows Store device apps and discusses how mobile network operators can best integrate their brand and offerings with Windows 8 to deliver custom experiences to subscribers.

  • Overview of Mobile Broadband Windows Runtime API provides information on the Windows Runtime API available for use by the mobile operator app.

  • Preparing to Develop Mobile Operator Apps provides information on what you need to have in place before you start to author the components of your mobile operator app.

  • Providing Mobile Broadband Metadata provides information about how network operators can supply information to Windows to extend the connectivity experience.

  • Service Metadata Package Schema Reference for Windows 8 provides information about the XML schemas used in a service metadata package.

  • Submitting a Mobile Operator App provides information about how to submit a mobile operator app with associated service metadata.

  • Submitting Updates for the APN Database contains information on how mobile operators provide updates to the Access Point Name (APN) database. Windows 8 contains a built-in APN connectivity directory. This is used by the Windows connection manager to provide a seamless connection experience for end users by supplying and trying available connection APNs based on the user’s mobile broadband hardware.

  • Windows 8 Integration for Wireless Hotspot Operators provides information about wireless hotspots for Windows 8 and provides guidelines for hotspot operators to offer a tailored experience to Windows 8 users.