It wouldn’t be a developer conference without some surprises, and Microsoft is already getting us in the mood for Build 2016 with a mysterious description in the event schedule of a session on ‘Something Awesome.’
We’ll have to wait until Build kicks off this Wednesday for details, but the rest of the schedule promises a conference packed with information on game development, the Internet of Things, cloud services and augmented reality.
Attendees can learn about app design approaches for HoloLens, or build a Universal Windows App for Raspberry Pi in a hands-on lab. There are a number of sessions on cross-platform development, including using Xamarin to build mobile apps, Project Centennial to bring desktop apps to the Universal Windows Platform, and Microsoft’s iOS-to-Windows Bridge.
There’ll also be plenty on using Azure to enhance apps, whether that means working with data or engaging players in a game. A session will focus on using Windows 10 to power smart homes. And there’ll be sessions on how Visual Studio is evolving and the integration of Windows 10 games with Xbox Live.
As for news, Microsoft will likely use its keynote to give details on the ‘Redstone’ update to Windows 10, expected later this year. The company has also teased “two highly-requested surprises” for Live Tiles, which some have speculated could mean the introduction of interactive Live Tiles for Windows 10.
With HoloLens now in the hands of some developers, Microsoft might also be ready to move from the general vision of previous demos to more concrete information on apps for the augmented-reality device. They could let us know when the Windows Store is coming to XBox One, or even, as a rumor on Windows Central has it, announce automation for Cortana.
To make sure you don’t miss anything important, you can now download the official Build app, which will organize your schedule for you. If you really want to get geeky with it, you can update your social media profile pic to look like your Build badge. And whether you’re coming to the conference or just following along via the live stream, you can also amuse yourself with Michael Gillette’s cheeky Build Bingo.
Wintellect DevCenter will be blogging live from Wednesday’s keynote. See you there!