Difference between the MouseOver and PointerOver in VisualStateManager

Question

I was wandering if someone could explain the difference between MouseOver and PointerOver? I am creating a custom ComboBoxItem Style, and using this link as a startpoint. After creating a playing around I discovered that the VisualState PointerOver that they use doesn't work. I remebered using MouseOver in a different Style so I replaced PointerOver with MouseOver.

So I was wandering if there a sepcific reason why MSDN would use PointerOver instead of MouseOver, if there is a reason other than being able to call it one self.

Answer 1

As far as I know, the state PointerOver and the IsPointerOver property appeared in .NET 4.5, and is actively used in Windows 8.

The main difference is that MouseOver works with mouse cursor, and PointerOver works as the mouse cursor and the user's fingers or other means. This is due to the fact that Windows 8 more mobile platform than the old versions, hence it is more focused on working with TouchPad. Therefore, Microsoft is more focused on the support of their latest operating system versions.

The conclusion is: if your application is more focused on Windows 8 and mobile applications, then you need to use PointOver. If your application will be used on versions below, then use MouseOver.