Microsoft wants to help Android, iOS and Windows apps run offline as well as online, offering a way to improve app responsiveness and functionality when network coverage is bad or non-existent.
In smartphones, it might seem there is no need for apps with offline access -- but they still have several advantages, including better responsiveness and the ability to limit data charges by caching data on the device, according to Microsoft. The caching also lets applications continue to work when there is little or no network connectivity.
To help developers add offline access to their Android, iOS and Windows apps, Microsoft has announced the general availability of its cloud-based SDK for offline synchronization, which is part of the company's Azure Mobile Services back-end.