14 DAY TRIAL // Last week, Redmond-based software giant Microsoft announced the launch of a final version of Windows Phone Developer Tools, and now it brings forth even more development solutions for those interested in building applications for its new Windows Phone 7 mobile OS, namely Visual Basic CTP for Windows Phone Developer Tools.
According to the company, it decided to release the solution based on the great demand coming from Visual Basic developers who were interested in learning when they would be able to start building applications for the mobile operating system.
“That wait is over. You can now download the Visual Basic CTP for Windows Phone Developer Tools. Provided in this download are all the templates, designer support, emulator (and phone!) support and IntelliSense for Visual Basic,” a recent post on Windows Phone Developer Blog reads.
At the same time, Microsoft's Brandon Watson notes that the Windows Phone Developer Tools already proved very popular among application developers.
“It’s been just one week since we went final with the Windows Phone Developer Tools. The uptake has been incredibly strong, and we have been so excited to hear how happy developers were with the additions of the Panorama, Pivot and Bing Maps controls,” he said.
However, there are a few things that developers interested in downloading the new app building platform need to take into consideration, including the fact that this is a CTP, and that they should provide feedback on their experience with the solution.
Moreover, those who will use the Visual Basic CTP for Windows Phone Developer Tools to build application should not try to release their software, as there is no Go-Live license.
Microsoft also notes the following caveats: - You need to be a Visual Studio 2010 Professional (or higher) customer. So if you only have the Express edition of the Windows Phone Developer Tools, you cannot use this version of the CTP. I hear Visual Studio 2010 have a trial download if you are really itchy. - You cannot build XNA games. Silverlight apps only.
Even with these limitations, the release should be a welcomed one for the Visual Basic development community.
Download Visual Basic CTP for Windows Phone Developer Tools.
The Windows Phone Developer Tools RTM are available for download via this link.