Microsoft Finally Previewing Windows Phone 8 SDK

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By Kevin Parrish
published

Microsoft is only previewing the SDK because there are features the company doesn't want to publicly reveal just yet.

The Windows Phone Developer Blog reports that Microsoft is now taking requests for access to the Windows Phone 8 SDK Preview program.

The object of this program, according to Microsoft's Todd Brix, is to let developers of the platform's most-downloaded apps (aka the "popular" crowd) to start optimizing their games and whatnot for Windows Phone 8. The majority of published developers should qualify for access, he added.

So why not just publicly release the full SDK now rather than offer a little pre-launch tease? Because there are a number of features Microsoft just doesn't want the public to know about just yet. "Our SDK includes comprehensive emulators that allow developers to test apps against a wide range of Windows Phone features. We recognize that this is a different approach to delivering tools than we’ve taken in the past," he said.

Naturally Microsoft's goal is to generate as much Windows Phone 8 excitement as possible to attract new customers when phones go on sale. "This [preview release] is one of many steps we’re taking to help give you what you (and we) want most," he adds. "Windows Phone 8 remains on track to hit store shelves later this year and we very much want developers to create new apps for the platform, so please bear with us."

Additional SDK news will be made in the coming weeks, he said.

To apply for the Windows Phone 8 SDK Preview program, developers are required to visit the Microsoft Connect site and complete a short application. Developers should have their Developer ID and Application’s Product ID on hand, as well as the name of their local Phone Champ (if you don’t know your local Phone Champ, you can always get in touch via the Find My Champ app).

"We’ll be taking applications until Monday, September 17 at 5pm PDT. If you’re accepted to the program, you’ll hear from us in the following week with instructions on how to download the SDK and get support for questions and issues," he said.

To apply for the program, head over to the Microsoft Connect site here.

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Kevin Parrish
15 Comments Comment from the forums
  • murzar
    The suspense is comparable to a b-grade hollywood flick.
    Reply
  • I think it is stupid they don't want the public to know about features yet. Especially since some of those features may make people hold off on purchasing the lackluster Iphone 5
    Reply
  • ubercake
    The picture does not depict the new Windows logo. Shouldn't Tom's writers stop using it?

    Or is Microsoft using a different logo for their Windows 8 phone edition?
    Reply
  • DjEaZy
    ... meh...
    Reply
  • southernshark
    It might be cool. Frankly I look forward to having an option other than "i" or "G". "i" just ain't my bag of tea. "G" is just a little too intrusive for me (and disorganized to boot).
    Reply
  • beardguy
    9402355 said:
    The suspense is comparable to a b-grade hollywood flick.

    LOL! +1
    Reply
  • commandersozo
    I think it's more likely that they have some new features they don't want to reveal to the competition. Both of Microsoft's major competitors in the field are notorious idea-thieves (not that Microsoft is much better). Having typed "idea-thieves" I'm now visualizing Apple hiring Leo DiCaprio to invade Steve Ballmer's mind. That would be quite a trip.
    Reply
  • beardguy
    It might very well be great. The problem is they screwed over their customer base on Win 7 phones. I mean Win 7 phones were barely out and then they announced Win 8 phones. I almost bought one too! Microsoft really shot itself in the foot, and they are going to have to work very hard to get anyone interested in Win 8 after that fiasco.
    Reply
  • tntom
    This makes perfect sense. What they don't want to do is spoil the surprise on upcoming Smartphones and Tablets that are emulated by the software. There maybe other hardware in the works too.
    Reply
  • Marcus52
    beardguyIt might very well be great. The problem is they screwed over their customer base on Win 7 phones. I mean Win 7 phones were barely out and then they announced Win 8 phones. I almost bought one too! Microsoft really shot itself in the foot, and they are going to have to work very hard to get anyone interested in Win 8 after that fiasco.
    While I generally agree with your statement, it's common to the smart phone industry; Microsoft, in other words, certainly wasn't the fits to do that. They also released an upgrade for the Win 7 phones that supplies a lot of the features. I don't recall Android even doing that much.

    Realistically though, hardware in phones is changing so fast right now that anyone buying should expect some amount of "obsolete" in a short period of time. A 6-month old phone is last generation, at best, and you can only do so much to bring the hardware capabilities forward.

    ;)
    Reply