Microsoft said its concept of ‘universal’ apps that work across all devices running versions of its Windows OS will take another step forwards with the arrival of Windows 10.

The company revealed details and a technical preview of its next-generation OS this week, as it moves straight from Windows 8 to Windows 10.

Universal apps were first discussed at Microsoft’s Build developers’ conference in April, when the company started to accept submissions for the new breed of software.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella explained in July that the idea behind ‘universal’ Windows titles is to create the broadest opportunity for developers to achieve a return on investment by building for Windows.

In a post on the Windows developer blog, Kevin Gallo wrote that Windows 10 “continues the work shared at Build last April” by allowing developers to use “the same code to deliver appropriately tailored experiences to multiple device types”.

Gallo said the best way for developers to prepare for Windows 10 is to continue building universal Windows apps.

Although little detail has been provided about the developer experience for Windows 10, Gallo noted that the forthcoming OS will feature new ways for people “to discover and engage” with mobile releases.

Progress will continue with platform commonality, discoverability and unifying the Windows and Windows Phone app stores, according to the blog post.

Windows 10 will also develop Microsoft’s commitment to providing a platform with a consistent API layer, UX design surfaces and flexible tools.

Microsoft also aims to have a single store for all devices and introduce options such as volume app purchasing for businesses, more flexible distribution mechanisms, and the ability for users to customise the Store experience.