With Windows Phone 7 almost here, lots of people are interested in seeing just how many apps Microsoft can manage to get ready for the release. Developers around the world seem ready to help, with the Windows Phone Developer Tools downloaded more than 300,000 times – and its still only in Beta.
The final version of Windows Phone Developer Tools is being released on September 16 according to Brandon Watson, who heads the Windows Phone 7 developer experience team. Microsoft are hoping that this gives developers enough time to finish off their creations, in time for the Windows Phone 7 launch sometime during the holiday season.
Microsoft are keen to improve on the rather dismal attempt that was the Windows Mobile 6.5 app marketplace, which launched with only a couple of hundred applications ready to go. In order to compete with the mature app development process of the Apple iPhone platform, MS need to come up with an app uptake process that is clear for developers and a marketplace that is easy to navigate for consumers.
Luckily for developers, Microsoft are going to test the app submission process in the next few weeks, to make sure that everything is running smoothly in time for the launch. Along with open development submissions, Watson says that Microsoft are also working with a number of large software firms, “to ensure that Windows Phone 7 customers have the applications they expect”.
Some of the companies that MS are working closely with include Associated Press, eBay, LeFigaro, Open Table, Photobucket, Seesmic, and Realtor.com. There is also going to be a range of Xbox Live games developed especially for Windows Phone 7, with games from studios such as Namco, Gameloft, Bandai, and THQ.
With more than 225,000 apps already in the Apple iPhone store, it was always going to be an up hill battle for the Windows Phone 7 team. Hopefully however – for the sake of consumers everywhere – they can get it right this time.
