Microsoft is sending out newsletters to all the registered developers for Windows Phone 7 apps. Call it a state of the Marketplace update for developers. The newsletter doesn't reveal anything earth shattering but does re-affirm some of what we already know and reflects Microsoft's desire to work closer with developers.
The newsletter offers some insight and tips that will help developers submit apps more efficiently as well as design and marketing suggestions.
To catch the highlights, follow the break.
Here are the highlights from this installment of the Windows Phone Marketplace Developer Newsletter.
First Developer Payouts Processed: Microsoft has processed all developer payouts noting that payouts will only be processed for those who reached the $200 (U.S.) threshold.
Windows Phone 7 Improvements: Not much new as to what the pending update will bring to Windows Phone 7.
As announced at CES, we will soon be releasing updates to Windows Phone 7 that reflect the feedback we have been receiving from customers and partners to improve the products we deliver. These updates will be pushed out to our existing customers and will include several changes. The two most noteworthy for Windows Phone users are the addition of copy and paste, and significant performance improvements when loading or switching between applications.
What is interesting is that Microsoft is saying that existing applications will automatically receive the benefits of copy/paste and performance improvements. Developers will not be required to recompile or re-submit applications. There was no news as to when the first Windows Phone 7 update will be released.
The Rest: The rest of the newsletter focuses on design tips, suggestions to developers to shorten the time for applications to pass certification, and the availability of Windows Phone Recipes. These recipes are a group of open-source Microsoft Public License projects aimed at helping Windows Phone developers. According to Microsoft, the idea is to provide a sample with some reusable code that can be modified to fit other similar scenarios.
Oh, Sprint and Verizon customers shouldn't feel left out. The final release that will bring Windows Phone 7 to these two carriers is still expected to be available during the first half of 2011.
We're on the mailing list and will pass on any news future newsletters may have to offer.
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