Microsoft attempts to fix its app shortage: Windows 10 will run iOS and Android apps

Microsoft today announced an initiative that will make it easier for developers to port iOS and Android apps over to Windows 10. The latest version of Microsoft's software development platform, Visual Studio, will allow developers to input code written for iPhone or Android and convert it to a Windows 10 app with minimal effort.

The software giant expects developers to initially bring their apps across without changes, and then eventually make use of unique Windows capabilities such as Cortana, Xbox Live and Live Tiles.

Microsoft's initiative appears to be a direct response to the app shortage it faces on its mobile and tablet platform. Much like BlackBerry, the company previously investigated emulating Android applications on both Windows Phone and Windows, but has seemingly abandoned the option.

Eager developers are able to sign-up to a "limited" preview program to trial the conversion process.