Today, Microsoft has released a new Visual Basic Tools add-on for developers, aimed at creating applications for Windows Phone 7. This new add-on pack is supported by Visual Studio 2010 Professional, Premium, or Ultimate editions, and it enables developers to create Silverlight apps specifically for Windows 7 mobile devices.
Compatibility and Limitations
Unfortunately, the add-on is not supported by Visual Studio 2010 Express for Windows Phone, nor does it support applications built on Microsoft’s XNA Framework. This limitation means that while the add-on is a powerful tool for many developers, those using the Express edition or focusing on XNA-based applications will need to look for alternative solutions or upgrade their development environment.
Despite these limitations, the new add-on has the potential to significantly increase the number of applications available in the Windows Phone 7 directory. Visual Basic is a widely-used programming language, with millions of developers around the world relying on it for various projects. By enabling these developers to create applications for Windows Phone 7, Microsoft is opening the door to a vast pool of potential new apps.
Market Impact and Developer Opportunities
Currently, Microsoft has only 2,800 applications in its Market Place, a stark contrast to Apple’s 300,000 applications. This disparity highlights the challenges Microsoft faces in competing with more established mobile platforms. However, the introduction of the Visual Basic Tools add-on could be a game-changer. By leveraging the skills of Visual Basic developers, Microsoft hopes to rapidly expand its app ecosystem.
The initial sales of Microsoft’s new Windows Phone 7 devices have been underwhelming, and the company is undoubtedly looking for ways to boost both sales and customer engagement. The availability of more applications could make Windows Phone 7 devices more attractive to consumers, who often base their purchasing decisions on the availability and quality of apps.
Moreover, this move could also attract developers who have been hesitant to invest time and resources into a platform with a smaller user base. By providing tools that make it easier to develop for Windows Phone 7, Microsoft is lowering the barrier to entry and encouraging more developers to contribute to its ecosystem.
In addition to increasing the number of applications, the quality of apps is also likely to improve. Visual Basic is known for its ease of use and rapid development capabilities, which means developers can create robust and feature-rich applications more quickly. This could lead to a higher overall quality of apps in the Windows Phone 7 Market Place, further enhancing the platform’s appeal.
Another potential benefit is the cross-platform development opportunities. Developers who are already familiar with Visual Basic and have existing applications for other platforms may find it easier to port their apps to Windows Phone 7. This could result in a more diverse range of applications, catering to various user needs and preferences.
In conclusion, while the new Visual Basic Tools add-on for Windows Phone 7 has some limitations, its potential impact on the app ecosystem and market dynamics is significant. By empowering a large community of Visual Basic developers, Microsoft is taking a strategic step towards enhancing its mobile platform and competing more effectively with industry giants like Apple.
Via Slashgear
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