14 DAY TRIAL // Redmond-based software giant Microsoft has just made a new step towards the availability of a new version of its mobile operating system, Windows Phone Mango, with the release of Windows Phone SDK 7.1 Beta2, previously known as the Windows Phone Developer Tools Beta 2. The new version of the SDK is meant to offer developers the possibility to ensure that their applications will provide users with a great experience as soon as Mango arrives on the market.
Not to mention that the SDK is accompanied by the availability of a Mango update for developers who test applications on retail devices.
“We know that one of the most impactful things we can do for developers is to help them get their hands on the actual product. For Mango, that starts today with an early access program for developers,” Microsoft's Brandon Watson notes in a blog post.
“We’re still working out some final kinks in the distribution and support infrastructure for delivering Mango to all of our registered developers around the world, but are inviting the most eager developers to come get Mango today, for their retail devices, as part of our early access program!”
The entire distribution infrastructure should be up and running in a matter of weeks, but some developers can already enjoy access to the Mango OS flavor.
“With the free Windows Phone Developer Tools Beta 2 and free access to Mango, now is the perfect time to see what you can do with Windows Phone,” the said blog post continues.
With the new Tools, developers will benefit from access to a series of new features for the Windows Phone platform, such as fast app resume, updated Live Tiles, Motion Sensor, Live Agents, sockets, background audio or raw camera access.
In the coming months, developers will be provided with another Tools update, which will include the go-live license they need for publishing their applications in the Windows Phone Marketplace.
Included in the new Windows Phone Developer Tools Beta 2, developers will find the Windows Phone SDK 7.1 (Beta2), and the Windows Phone Emulator (Beta2), as well as other resources they need for coming up with applications for Windows Phone Mango.
The tools also include Windows Phone SDK 7.1 Assemblies (Beta2), Silverlight 4 SDK and DRT, Windows Phone SDK 7.1 Extensions for XNA Game Studio 4.0, Microsoft Expression Blend SDK Preview for Windows Phone 7.1, WCF Data Services Client for Window Phone 7.1, and Microsoft Advertising SDK for Windows Phone 7.
The Windows Phone SDK 7.1 Beta2 is available for download from here.