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 Relevant Products/Services 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," said Roberta Cozza, a principal analyst at Gartner.
Gartner expects Microsoft's mobile platform to ship in 35 million smartphones five years from now, but this will only amount to a 3.9 percent share of the smartphone market -- down from 8.7 percent in 2009. "CSPs will likely reduce the number of platforms they offer, to reduce their support costs and clarify their propositions to market," Cozza explained.
Microsoft's Prospects
By contrast, IDC predicts Windows Phone 7 will succeed in regaining some of the mobile market share Microsoft lost in the past two years, rising from 6.8 percent this year to 9.8 percent in 2014. Given the highly volatility of the global smartphone market, Microsoft's prospects for Windows Phone 7 could tip either way, depending on what moves the company makes to give its fledgling mobile platform an edge.
With Microsoft Office executive Stephen Elop poised to become Nokia's CEO, Gartner Vice President David Smith sees merit in the radical idea of Microsoft enticing Nokia to adopt Windows Phone 7.
"Many have given up on Nokia, especially in the U.S. where most of the smartphone action has been," Smith recently wrote in a blog. "Elop, in his short time at Microsoft, was involved in deals that put Office and Silverlight on Nokia phones."
However, Gartner Vice President Carolina Milanesi doesn't think Windows Phone 7 is what Nokia really needs to solve the issues it faces at the high end of the smartphone market. "Nokia already has two main platforms addressing the mid-tier and high end," Milanesi said. "MeeGo will give them a differentiator in other form factors such as media tablets versus just using Microsoft like they did with the 3G Relevant Products/Services booklet. And Symbian has a huge install base that Nokia will never ignore."
Source : newsfactor.com
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