14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is making it easy for developers to purchase Windows Phone 7 devices without carrier contracts.
Devs building apps for the latest iteration of the Redmond company’s mobile platform need the device first of all and not necessarily a carrier plan.
For some it might be discouraging having to get themselves stuck in a one or two year contract just to get access to the device and the platform that they require in order to create applications and services.
“Microsoft has entered into a partnership with Zones.com for all of our handset OEMs and mobile operator partners to sell phones to developers without requiring a voice or data contract.
“The phones are still carrier locked (varies by region), but you can purchase a Windows Phone 7 for your development purposes,” revealed Bruce D. Kyle, ISV Architect Evangelist, Microsoft.
According to the Zones site, Windows Phone 7 is right on track for availability in EMEA on 2/14/2011.
For the time being, there are three devices offered to developers: MSIT Standard Win 7 T Mobile HD7 Locked Phone; HTC Surround and Samsung Focus. The first two cost $500, the latter is a tad more expensive at $525.00.
“This site is meant for developers who are building or looking to build app and games for Windows Phone 7. From here you will be able to purchase phones from the carriers in your region, without a data plan,” reads a message on the site.
It’s important to note that with the exception of the actual phones, Microsoft is offerings all development tools and resources associated with Windows Phone 7 free of charge.
“Here’s what you need to do: go to our partner’s site: http://www.zones.com/windowsphonedeveloperpurchase. Pick the phone you want to use (note: these devices are carrier locked, based on region). Go thru the site’s check-out process. You will have to pay all sales taxes and shipping charges,” Kyle added.