Microsoft fess up to giving devs money for Windows Phone 7
By Jenny • Jul 16th, 2010 • Category: Industry News
- Photo: Microsoft
Microsoft is doing anything and everything it can to ensure the viability of its Windows Phone 7 Series mobile OS for smartphones. We wrote a post based on a rumour that they were courting developers with money, which Microsoft neither denied nor confirmed. The company has now confirmed what we’ve all known for a long while now.
Thanks, Todd Brix
Microsoft director Todd Brix confirmed that the company was soliciting developers using a variety of means, including the aforementioned cash incentives, as well as free test hardware. The financial incentives weren’t simply limited to dolling over cash, but had a variation that included Microsoft making up the difference in cash if minimum revenue promises were not met.
And let’s be clear. We do not fault Microsoft for this. They don’t have the first mover’s advantage they once did, and they have the finances to push the platform, without having to rely on organic growth. Do it!
Look how easy it is!
- Photo: Stock.Xchng
Initially, Microsoft was said to be recruiting iPhone and iOS developers for Windows Phone 7 Series, but it has also emerged that Microsoft is looking within its own stable of platforms for developers. Microsoft is reportedly selling Xbox Live Arcade and Xbox Indie Games developers on developing for Windows Phone 7 Series by punting how easily portable those games are, considering they are all developed using Microsoft’s XNA platform.
Running speed
Microsoft is finally in the home stretch of launching the long-awaited Windows Phone 7 Series. Since Microsoft had a foothold in the industry with Windows Mobile years ago, things have shaken up significantly. Google Android has emerged a viable competitor, Nokia’s smartphone dominance has slipped, RIM continues to be a strong competitor, and the iPhone is the most widely used smartphone in the world. It’s not as if these aforementioned companies are in favour of Microsoft imposing their will on a high stakes industry such as this one.
Tags for this article: smartphone, Windows phone, Windows Phone 7 Series, Xbox Live
