Microsoft creates Vista, Windows 7 compatibility tool for twitchy coders

Happy, happy, API talk

Microsoft has spun out the final release of its so-called “Platform Update” for Windows Vista to help developers create apps in Windows 7 as well as its unloved predecessor.

The tool, which features a set of runtime libraries, was designed by Microsoft to get better compatibility between Vista and Windows 7.

The software vendor said it would make the Platform Update available as a free automatic download via its Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services and the Microsoft Download Center sites.

The updates will include the Windows Ribbon, automation, portable devices platform and animation manager APIs to allow coders to write apps for that technology.

It will also cough up Windows graphics, imaging and XPS library for gaming developers who want DirectX to support hardware acceleration for 2D, 3D and text based scenarios, said Microsoft.

Effectively the tool has been created to encourage customers to move away from Vista in favour of Windows 7. Which shouldn't be all that difficult, we think.

Microsoft said: “By making these libraries broadly available through the Platform Update for Windows Vista, we expect customers will find an increasing number of applications using new features in Windows 7.” ®