Developers have used the Adobe Air platform to create Rich Internet Applications which work across a range of browsers and platforms since its launch in 2008.
Now the platform has been developed to work with mobile devices, with iPhone, iPad and Android all able to run the same apps developed in Adobe Air. Will Windows Phone be the next target? Would certainly help to boost numbers in the App Marketplace...
Still time to get in Windows Phone 7 Development?
With the final version of the Development tools due next week, there is still time to become a Windows Phone 7 App Developer ahead of the big launch - especially with this fantastic quick start series from MSDEV:
The Windows Phone 7 in 7 course consists of 7 minute examples and introductions, with supporting code samples, based on the beta release of the tools.
These overviews are great for newcomers to the platform, or those already creating apps as a quick refresh or reminder. These coffee-break length snippets are to the point and concise, giving you the information needed to get on and make that app!
Imminent Launch for Windows Phone 7 in UK?
Sources are suggesting that the Windows Phone 7 may be released as early as THIS MONTH if we are to believe rumours surrounding the new HTC HD3 Windows Device reported over at Pocket Lint. HTC are apparently hosting a Mystery Event on 15th September, however as this is a day before the release of the Final Developer Tools we aren't so sure.
Perhaps more credible is the speculation that the Microsoft "Special Event" at the start of October could coincide with the launch, as Neowin suggests. This is a few weeks after the launch of the new tools, possibly allowing enough time for the speedy developers to get their apps to Marketplace in time for the big day.
The Microsoft event will cover Windows Phone 7, Windows Azure, Windows 7, and the launch of IE9.
Countdown to the Final Version of the Developer Tools
We are eagerly awaiting the release of the Final Version of the Developer Tools for Windows Phone 7, due on 16 September. More information here.
Not only do we want to check that all our apps in development will still work, but we have identified a few areas on our 'wish list' which we hope the new release will fix.
- Clipping of Audio Files: we have noticed that for some reason the last few seconds of audio tracks are being clipped. We can easily re-master to allow for this, but hope that the new version may have fixed this issue.
- Support for theme versions: Although theme versions are not required, we would like to be able to present a version of our apps which complements the chosen theme, even if only taking on the background colour. There are several work-arounds posted, but hopefully there may be a simpler way from Thursday.
Design styles for Windows Phone 7
Windows Phone 7 offers a whole new angle on design to previous OS versions. Whereas in 6.5 and before the design was fully integrated into the coding of the apps, we are now able to split these tasks, with coders able to make functional apps using little or no styling.
We have already seen the robotic t-shirt launcher controller - which demonstrated how it is easy for a designer familiar with Visual Basic and Expression Blend to style apps for Windows Phone 7, but there hasn't been much of a style guide - until now.
It seems as though the USGA have set the ball rolling (sorry: had to be done!) in this regard, with this stunning demo of their latest app:
