Microsoft released its Windows Phone 7 developer tools to the web on Thursday, just two weeks after the release of Windows Phone 7 Series to manufacturing. To avoid making the same mistake as Apple — which soured its relations with developers by imposing strict app guidelines last April — Microsoft said it won’t introduce arbitrary restrictions on the apps that developers can submit to the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace.
“The developer platform is really all about enabling developers to build whatever they can dream up,” wrote Microsoft blogger Brandon Watson. “The unique capabilities built into the application platform, manifesting in distinctive UI and great user experiences, mean that developers can take a fresh start and rethink the experiences they are delivering to the mobile screen.”
The development environment is shaping up to be Microsoft’s biggest differentiator, noted Al Hilwa, director of applications development software at IDC. “They appear to have made things simple, transparent and effective for some five million Microsoft developers to jump into the mobile fray,” Hilwa said.
Smartphone Consolidation Ahead
Although Microsoft’s release of the new tools give developers scant time to prepare their apps for the official launch of Windows Phone 7 Marketplace early next month, it will take time for Microsoft’s mobile partners to finalize the integration of Windows Phone 7 with their own hardware, software and networks. Still, Gartner expects the first Samsung-branded Windows Phone 7 devices to launch before this year’s holiday shopping season.
Microsoft reportedly intends to spend $500 million on its Windows Phone 7 media campaign, but gaining support from mobile software developers is also crucial. “We believe that market share in the OS space will consolidate around a few key OS providers that have the most support from communications service providers and developers and strong brand awareness with consumer and enterprise customers,”…