The difference between Hubs and Apps

July 26, 2010 | By rush24

If you have heard of Windows phone 7, you more than likely have heard of a thing called hubs. We hear the WP7 designers tout it as the next big thing but, what makes them different, or better than the app centric model that we are all now used to? Well, consider it your luck day! Paul Thurrott, has posted a great piece that should answer even the most inquisitive minds. In a nutshell, Hubs are panoramic, contain content from from multiple sources and are extensible. Apps on the other hand, consist mainly of a single experience. Hit the link for rest of the post.

6

About Rush24

Rush24 loves everything Microsoft and is fascinated by the influence of technology in everyday life.

Blog
Twitter

Tagged hubs, windows phone 7, wp7

http://www.avianwaves.com Parrotlover77

So a hub is an app with a plugin architecture to centralize all content of a particular type. Hence, a hub IS an app, just a special kind of app. Let's not pretend it's something different than it is, or we start sounding like Apple fanboys with their made-up terminology.

Don't get me wrong — I think the "hubs" idea of the built-in Windows Phone 7 does a good job of centralizing content from formerly disparate sources (such as a separate MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter apps), but it's still an app. There's nothing stopping any other platform from having a "People Hub" style app that does the same thing.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Northerngeek Northerngeek

I'm on the fence about this, as long as the experience is significantly different- and from what I hear, it is- then I see no problem in seperating the terminology. Apps, Programs and Widgets are different, yet in reality are all code that runs on a device… in fact the average iPhone app is what I'd call a Widget 5 years ago when they're only unitaskers e.g. unit conversion, spirit levels, weather.

I'd say there's more distinction involved between Apps and Hubs, than say Apps and Widgets etc.
http://intensedebate.com/people/chinch chinch

Yes and no. it's not totally obvious now but but will be more obvious later as Marketplace appears.

A hub is a superset of an application. Each hub has at least a core "app" that is panoramic. This is quite obvious.

However, each "app" is certainly not (and can't be at this time) a HUB.

As hubs grow in features, integration & power this will be more obvious.

MS has already defined the standardphone hubs that will appear on each WP7 device.

chinch

Paul says… "Yes, you will be able to create your own hubs. "

Actually – unless something has changed recently – AFAIK 3rd party developers can NOT create hubs according to the published MS spec. They can create panoramic apps and extensions to some hubs. You can pin an app making a panoramic app appear hub-like to a newb.

Netflix would be an obvious a panoramic app, not a hub. And it could be extended to appear in the the music+video hub

Jason

When asked at MIX if developers can make hubs the answer was "Yes, we want you to."

http://intensedebate.com/people/chinch chinch

the July v2.0 WP7 UI guide has exactly one "hub" reference on pg53 and it has to do with use of back button not "hubs"

"The page navigation model is a spoke and hub system. This means that unless developers explicitly add links to other pages within their application…"

MS would be wise to get their Studio2010 "Panoramic control" released ASAP (they said in a few weeks) and reserve the term "hub" for 1st party mandatory WP7 stuff (Marketplace, People, Search, Phone, Music/Video, Camera/Photos, MS Office) at least initially.

Especially since all app data is sandboxed on a device.

The last thing MS needs is HTC making sense hubs or Verizon/carriers preinstalling their hubs.

Scan QR Codes, UPC, EAN, Code 39/128 or ITF barcodes on your Windows Phone 7 to find best prices online.

Enjoy slots? Blackjack? Video Poker? Play Crazy Casino FREE!

#1 FREE Solitaire on WP7

If your a fan of Pong then you will love this game. Heavenly Skies. Save the universe! Are you ready?

A rewarding mix of match 3 and tetris gameplay

Free, Live Tile support for Word Of The Day and so much more. Why NOT try it out?

Set up reminders with only two taps. Supports also text reminders and voice reminders.

Download the best puzzle game in WP7 Marketplace for FREE!

Are you a good Alchemist ? Use your brain to discover Atomic Energy, Chuck Norris, Angry Birds and 1400 more !

Fun puzzle game with over 150 levels!

Fully featured, beautifully designed WP7 YouTube app.

u.n.i MEGA PACK (FREE), the ultimate addictive top GAMES bundle for Windows Phone 7! 7+ and growing!

Highly addictive word game designed for adrenaline junkies. Practice locally, but then are you fast enough to compete online?

Livescape is an activity and nutrition journal that features GPS tracking and the ability to count steps!

The smartest Google reader app.

Air Soccer Tour - Addictive FREE swipe soccer game. Win the world cup.

Beat the Story Mode. When your done Bring your skill online. Rank up by winning online matches. Have 1 on 1's with anyone! Global Online Multiplayer!

Never miss a bill again, now with a double-sided Live Tile and pop-up reminders.

Newest devices leaks, online charts and ultimate performance benchmark for every Windows Phone.

Every day, get great app deals from Windows Phone developers pushed to you!

Quick Tiles, a fully featured live tile editor for Windows Phone.

Great sports app for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL. Pin scores/games to live tile on your home screen.

Local 1777 Ringtones , Zedge , Record and Save Ringtone ,Secret Voice Recorder and 7 Different Piano and Xylophone..Try Now..

MobileFax gives you the opportunity to send fax pages from your mobile phone anytime, anywhere !

Wheel of Wealth is a multiplayer turn based game based on the hit TV show Wheel of Fortune.

Embark on an adventure to locate the long lost Golden Chalice!

Enjoy a better WP7 experience with better & simpler apps

The most engaging weather experience with gorgeous live animations, simple intuitive Metro UI, live tiles, detailed weather data and much much more.

Promote your app on WMPoweruser.com