New Xamarin Live Player makes it easier to develop iOS and Android apps on Windows

Microsoft is making it easier for developers to develop iOS and Android apps on Windows PCs using the new Xamarin Live Player. Instead of installing gigabytes of SDKs and emulators to get started, developers can get started with Android and iOS development with just a physical iOS or Android device and Visual Studio.

Developers need to just pair their iOS or Android device with Visual Studio by scanning a QR code, and hit debug like they normally would. The application will be deployed in seconds to the Live Player app, enabling developers to quickly develop and test their changes without having to recompile and redeploy your application. Xamarin Live Player even allows you to set break points.

Another new feature they are announcing is called Live Run. When you are working on a single screen, view, or segment of code, enter Live Run Current View mode by selecting it from the menu. Then, simply modify your C# or XAML, and the current view is redeployed as you develop.

The Live Player extension is now available for download for both Visual Studio 2017 and Visual Studio for Mac. New Xamarin Live Player apps can be downloaded from Google Play and iOS App Store.