Build 2017: Microsoft Announces Fluent Design System and Other Developer Tools for Windows

During the Microsoft Build Day Two keynote, Terry Myerson and other members of the Windows and Devices Group announced new tools to help developers deliver their apps across the entire ecosystem of devices that are in the hands of users these days.

If you are a Windows Insider testing Fast Ring builds for Redstone 3, the codename for the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update which is expected in the September timeframe, then you have already seen the result of a new design language for Windows Apps.

The new Microsoft Fluent Design Language might be more familiar to you under its codename of Project Neon.

"Fluent Design will deliver intuitive, harmonious, responsive and inclusive cross-device experiences and interactions. For developers, Fluent Design is built to help you create more expressive and engaging apps that work across a wide range of device and input diversity."

While Microsoft wants to make it clear that this new design language for Windows does not mean the OS is going to experience a major UI makeover, it is going to help app developers bridge their users experience across the devices they use.

Other announcements made by Microsoft today include:

-- Visual Studio Mobile Center, which has been in preview since last November, will gain full UWP compatibility so that developers can test their apps across a wide array of Windows mobile devices in Microsoft's test cloud.

-- New .NET Standard 2.0 for UWP and XAML STandard will help developers take their existing code build in new innovations and create cross platform engagement.

-- Developers can take advantage of the Microsoft Graph in Windows and use Project Rome to enhance the functionality in their UWP, Android, and iOS apps.

-- More Linux love is coming to the Windows Subsystem for Linux on Windows 10 later this year with the addition of SUSE Linux and Fedora Linux.

You can read other news about new features in the upcoming Windows 10 Fall Creators Update over on the SuperSite: Windows.

----------

But, wait...there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.

----------------------------------

Looking for an awesome, no-nonsense technical conference for IT Pros, Devs, and Devops? Check out IT/Dev Connections!