Windows Phone 8 is finally (I say finally because you have no idea how many developers have been asking me for the SDK) here.
The phone market alone represents a tremendous opportunity. Competition is strong, but people are ready for a phone built around them. With a new Start screen, more customizable Live Tiles, and the innovative new features like Rooms and Kid’s Corner all revealed in the Windows Phone 8’s launch, Windows Phone 8 is the world’s most personal smartphone. Early industry and customer response has been fantastic, and Windows Phone will be available through 50 of the top mobile operators worldwide starting next month. The expansion of phone hardware options and Windows Phone Store to 191 markets equates to a 90 percent increase in addressable market for your apps in 2012.
Key Highlights from Build 2012
1. New features and old problems fixed
There were 3 key frustrations that developers used to talk about the Windows Phone – and I’m really glad that those issues are resolved. You wanted native code, in-app-purchase, and more ways to reuse and port code. All of those are now done with the new Windows Phone 8. These capabilities combined with new phone features like better Live Tiles, Lenses, NFC support, and custom app notifications and wallpaper on the lock screen mean that apps do more—and do it in more markets—on Windows Phone.
2. Added incentive to purchase developer token at Dev Center
Windows Phone 8 is out, the tools are available, and devices are about to be released—it’s time to get coding. As an added incentive, for the next 8 days individual developers can register for a Dev Center account for just $8 USD (a 92 percent savings). Please note because this is a very limited time offer. You’ll be charged $99 USD or equivalent in your local currency, and we’ll refund the difference in the next 30 to 45 days. Watch for more details on Dev Center soon.
Visit the Dev Center for guidance on how to get started with the new SDK and watch out for our upcoming Windows Phone 8 briefings! You can also check out the //BUILD conference technical session recordings on Channel 9 and read more from the Windows Phone team blog (read more here: http://blogs.windows.com/windows_phone/b/wpdev/archive/2012/10/30/announcing-the-new-windows-phone-8-developer-platform.aspx) providing guidance and additional details on the new platform.
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