14 DAY TRIAL // Those application developers who would like to come up with software targeting Microsoft's Windows Phone platform and who are already registered Nokia developers will soon receive new handsets from Nokia to help them move to the new development platform.
Nokia already announced plans to push out a number of no less than 25,000 Nokia Lumia 800 and Nokia Lumia 710 smartphones to developers, and the company has just announced some more details on the matter.
Nokia and Microsoft will work together to deliver these devices to developers, so that new applications for Windows Phone will not take too long to emerge.
“Through a combined effort of Nokia and Microsoft, these new devices will be distributed to help you get started developing for Windows Phone right away,” Nokia explains.
Moreover, Nokia notes that Nokia developers who switched to Windows Phone and who already received devices from the company will be sent new smartphones running under Microsoft's OS.
“If you received a Nokia E7 back in February when we announced our new smartphone strategy, you’ll automatically receive a Windows Phone device,” Nokia stated
“If you are currently a Nokia Developer Champion or a Nokia Launchpad member, you are already eligible, and you will soon receive an e-mail to explain how to get your new Nokia Windows Phone.”
But this is not all. Nokia and Microsoft also announced that Symbian developers joining the Windows Phone ranks will be able to make the move without paying the initial registration fee at Microsoft.
All Windows Phone developers have to register with the Microsoft App Hub, and they need to pay a yearly fee of $99 USD. For Nokia developers, the first year will be free.
“In conjunction with the device seeding program, we are also working with Microsoft to give you a rebate for the first year of App Hub membership (valued at $99 USD) to further assist with your development of great apps for Windows Phone,” Nokia announced.
“If you are an active Nokia publisher, you will soon receive details about how to receive this rebate.”