Host apps: an interesting feature of Windows 10 2004

Although in recent months we have criticized multiple aspects of Windows 10 2004, (many of which have already been corrected, it must also be said) the truth is that functions as host apps deserve to be reviewed in a very positive way, since they represent a most interesting contribution and that, in reality, have gone somewhat unnoticed. That is why it seems fair and appropriate to review them and mention what advantages they offer, both to the developers and to the users of the apps created by them.

And what are host apps? So, how review today MSPowerUser, in the apps host model, an app can be declared as a host for other apps, while allowing those applications to retain their identity as independent applications. For example, a script file that requires its host (such as Powershell) can be treated as a complete application by Windows 10, with its own icon, entry in the Task Manager and Task Launcher, and the possibility to be installed and uninstalled as a standalone application.

It may seem like a minor change, but in reality there are many developments that, today, cannot be used as standalone applications, and therefore require the user to invoke and manage them from the host app, something that is a serious limitation for many users. With the host apps model, this problem could be eliminated, making the use of these applications, for users, similar to that offered by conventional applications.

Just a few hours ago, I was cloning a GitHub repository locally so that I could use the application it contained. Besides that I have had to install NodeJS. And even after following the instructions, I have encountered some problems that, although they have not prevented me, finally, from using the code, they have made the experience a bit “heavy”. With the host apps model, this type of process could be made much simpler and, therefore, extend the use of these applications to many other users.

With the apps host model, it could be made much simpler and more secure, therefore, application delivery from the cloud, something that would at first be applied, surely, in corporate environments, but that would surely come later in the arrival of these apps to end users.