Three Reasons We Are Developing for Windows Phone 7

Welcome to Jeff Fansler's Blog

I've spent many years in the computer industry. I've worked in labs installing software, building computers, setting up networks, and teaching people how to use a mouse. I've worked as a developer building business applications and products. I've worked as a manager building teams and processes. In the end I've ventured on building a company which allows me to do a little of everything. This blog is where I talk about what I've learned during my journey

Three Reasons We Are Developing for Windows Phone 7

posted on Monday, October 11, 2010 5:52 PM |

Someone asked me the other day, “Why are you developing for Windows Phone 7?” We had an interesting discussion, but for me it boiled down to three main reasons. Here they are:

The User Experience

The core user experience on the phone is very clean. The information you need is where it should be, everything just works. Using the phone is a seamless transition between applications. I don’t even like using the word applications, because it’s more like functionality. It feels like one app (a phone) with a gazillion features added. Users like simple and Windows Phone 7 is simple.

The Marketplace

The concept of a marketplace isn’t new. Microsoft, however, has solved many of the problems I have had with other marketplaces. It’s closed in an open way. What I mean by this is that only applications that pass Microsoft’s criteria will be accepted, but the criteria that you need to meet are clear. This allows for an ecosystem where users can trust the applications they install and developers can feel confident that there application will be accepted before they start developing it.

Ease of Development

The last reason we have decided to develop for WP7 is the ease of development. Microsoft has long been a leader when it comes to development tools and technology. By using existing frameworks with Silverlight and XNA Microsoft has made our investment in these technologies even more valuable. Instead of there being a steep learning curve on a new platform, we have been immediately productive.

Community

I know I said 3 reasons, so consider this one a bonus. The community surrounding Microsoft technologies including Windows Phone 7 is phenomenal. This community is created by developers who are always willing to spend extra time to help out their peers. This community is strongly encouraged by Microsoft and is one of the main reasons we continue to develop using many Microsoft technologies including Windows Phone 7. If you don’t already, I encourage you to find your local user group and attend meetings. Find out what other developers are doing through twitter, blogs, and other forums.

Comments

# re: Three Reasons We Are Developing for Windows Phone 7

Posted by Dude

on 10/13/2010 8:40 AM

Sorry, but those reasons are pretty much saying nothing at all.
1. The User Experience
You mean that the User gets a 2 tile per row interface is good? It looks like a pre-alpha proof on concept that the applications can be started from the home screen. "Ah well, lets slap two tile in a row and we'll deal with the design for them later. What? We don't have time? Oh well, then let's just keep these square tiles the way they are. People will love it"

2. The Marketplace
Really? That is a reason why you chose WP7? You know the reasons you chose them can be applied unaltered to the Apple App Store as well, right? You didn't say anything that was exclusive to the MS Marketplace.

3. Ease Of Development
What if you happen to have learned Java in college and not C#? This point is pretty ambivalent as I could take the exact same wording and put it on a blog post about why I chose Android development.

4. Community
Good for you that WP7 has such a great community. As it is, I am sure, the only platform to feature such an important element. All Android and Apple devs are left alone in the cold and have to figure stuff out for themselves.

Please, read your post again and tell me why I couldn't copy/paste the entire thing and simply change the title to fit whatever mobile platform I choose to publish this under?

I am not developing for WP7 but I do think to post reasons why one choose a platform over another, one should at least give some reason, that other platforms lack.

# re: Three Reasons We Are Developing for Windows Phone 7

Posted by Jeff Fansler

on 1/25/2011 12:38 PM

Hi Dude,
I know it's been forever since you added this comment. I apologize for not responding. There's a bug in my blog software and it's not alerting me to comments.

When writing the post I wasn't trying to say why WP7 is better then other platforms. I think Android and IPhone are great. I've had an iPhone for several years before I moved to WP7. My point with this post was simply that WP7 is at least in the same arena now as iPhone and WP7.

Here's some of my thoughts on your specific comments:

1) User Experience
User experience is subjective. I have been using a WP7 phone as my main phone for about 4 months now and I still love the UI. In fact, I like it better than my iPhone. It works well for me. That may not be the case for you and I understand if you don't agree.

2) The Marketplace
Apple's app store has been getting better, however there have been, in my opinion, some problems with the transparency as to why an application is rejected. This has not been the case with MS's marketplace. Android doesn't have a single marketplace and fragmentation has become a problem.

3) Ease of Development
I did, in fact, learn Java in college. My reasons for discussing the ease of development are not language related. They have to do with the tools and support that Microsoft creates. I have yet to see a set of development tools that compete.

4) Community
Again, I did not mention community to say that Android or iPhone don't have great communities. They may. I can say for certain though, that the MS development community is vibrant and has been a great resource.

I apologize if my post offended you, but I was not attempting to explain why WP7 is superior to anything else, simply that it is a worthy competitor. One that is worth learning and developing for along side iPhone and Android.