Windows Phone 8: Media file access

13
votes

Are there means to access audio and video files from the default audio/video folders in Windows Phone 8? I already checked this document but all methods (for instance KnownFolders.MusicLibrary) are not implemented on the WP8: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/apps/hh967755.aspx

I need access to the raw file data. It would also be fine to access the data from a Windows Phone Runtime or from pure C++ if it's not possible from C#.

3
c#c++file-iowindows-runtimewindows-phone-8

3 Answers

24
votes

KnownFolders doesn't work on WP8 for 3rd party apps.

In terms of access on WP8 here's what's available:

  • Contacts: Read access available since WP7.5, write-access available via WP8 ContactStore.
  • Appointments: Read-access available since WP7.5. In WP8 you can add individual appointments after user confirmation via the SaveAppointmentTask.
  • Photos: Read access to all folders available since WP7. Write-access to Camera Roll and Saved Pictures available since WP7.5.
  • Audio: Developers can iterate over the music library and even play it via the native player since WP7. Starting WP8 developers can add songs to the music library using MediaLibraryExtensions.SaveSong().
  • Video: Read-write isn't available. There are security and storage issue with transporting files that big.
  • uSD Card: Starting WP8 apps can register for specific file extensions and read those from the micro-SD card.
  • Documents: No read-write access. But starting WP8 developers can open up docx/xlsx/etc files using Launcher.LaunchFileAsync and it will open up a read-only copy in Office. Users can then choose to save that copy in the Office Hub.

I've made this post a wiki so if there are any additional areas, feel free to edit and add those bullet points.

6
votes

With the introduction of Windows Phone 8.1 you can now access KnownFolders. Here is a screenshot of me saving to the video folder (Xbox Video app) KnownFolders access

0
votes

Consider upgrading your project to Windows Phone 8.1 which has access to

Pictures Library, Music Library, Video Library

Check this out

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/apps/xaml/dn639127.aspx