X

Windows Phone 7 SDK coming September 16

Microsoft clues developers in on the Windows Phone 7 road map, announcing that Windows Phone Developer Tools will be ready on September 16.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
Jessica Dolcourt
Windows Phone 7
CNET

Microsoft has just delivered on Monday an answer for software developers wondering when they'll be able to start creating apps for the Windows Phone 7 platform. The company is planning to release its Windows Phone Developer Tools on September 16, giving program authors at least a couple months to code before the "holiday release" of Windows Phone 7 handsets.

In the meantime, developers looking to have their apps and games ready for the Windows Phone Marketplace launch can get a head start by registering for the Marketplace and using the beta toolkit (direct download link) before recompiling the code with the final tools. Microsoft expects to start accepting Marketplace submissions in October.

Application storefronts have become an important factor in influencing which phone or operating system consumers buy. Since apps built for previous Windows Mobile platforms will not be compatible with Windows Phone 7, having a strong showing of high-quality, varied apps is crucial for the platform's success.

Related story: Windows Phone 7 models leak to the Web