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Developers can now begin creating universal applications for the forthcoming Windows 10 operating system.
On Monday, Microsoft released the tools and sample code for creating apps that’ll work across Windows 10 desktop devices, tablets and smartphones, as well as on Xbox consoles.
The software will allow developers to tweak their apps in order to work across the various platforms and ensure they’re equally at home on touchscreen devices or those with physical keyboards and mice.
The release comes ahead of Microsoft’s Build conference next month, where the firm was expected to go into great detail on how developers can build exciting tools for the Windows 10 software.
The early release means we may see the first wave of third-party universal apps show up at the Build conference.
Microsoft has already explained how core apps like the Office productivity suite and Skype will work across devices allowing users to easily sync their data and developers to maintain a consistent experience across device types.
At Build 2015, the firm is expected to showcase a near-completed version of Windows 10 and announce a release date for the software.
Related: Windows 10 vs Windows 8: Should you upgrade?
Earlier this month Microsoft confirmed plans to launch Windows 10 this summer, which is earlier than many observers had expected.
The mid-year release will give Microsoft and its hardware partners the chance to capitalise on the back to school market.