As windows 8 is new in the market and its SDK that has been put in motion last week only, the developers have already got their hands on this new device and have started digging into its strengths and weaknesses. MSDN Forum shows a fine example of this where a user asked the following question:
I first tried the new “SaveAppointmentTask” => cool, finally i can create appointments in non windows-live calendars by calling this Task. […] There is no task for editing existing appointments or deleting existing appointments?
This question is quite true actually, if one can create a task then that person should have the authority to manage, customize and even delete the task. This one way fashion of writing to the main calendar is definitely a constraint to the developers.
On this, Microsoft replied:
Correct… You can create appointments by using the SaveAppointmentTask but your application cannot delete appointments. The SaveAppointmentTask passes the information provided to the native calendar application which allows the user to save the appointment to the calendar of their choice. You’re application does not have direct access to the calendar database.
It’s a trade-off that allows apps some access while protecting the users critical data from accidental deletion.
This means, that the Windows 8 calendar application can only allow the entries and not the exists, along with the restriction in the meddlesomeness in its database. This means, you do not have a ‘Direct Access’ to that particular application. Another comment down the line stated:
I hope I have misunderstood something. WP has probably the worst calendar I’ve ever seen on a modern phone. If I understand this correctly, no one can produce a new calendar app to replace the built-in calendar completely?
Although this change of Microsoft is not unique or anything different, as all the other platforms have certain type of rules to restrict some functionalities. But this change in Microsoft definitely shows their dedication and focus towards the issue of security.
If we go in past, in the early days of Windows – like before the release of Windows 8 and RT – Microsoft was open to all, and now with closed walls (restrictions and rules) in Windows 8, the environment of the company has changed and has become rule based.
This move has surely put a spotlight on Microsoft. Moreover, Microsoft offers more than 120,000 apps which has made a place for Windows phone on the developers table. This is not the end, you can expect more updates soon!