Preview of Windows Phone 8 SDK to Be Released on September 12

In conjunction with the unveiling of Nokia’s first Windows Phone 8 smartphones, Microsoft announced some more info on its plans regarding the development of applications for the new platform release.

The Redmond-based software giant has already promised the availability of the platform’s Software Development Kit (SDK) in late summer, and it is set to make a Preview available on September 12.

“Select partners and developers have already seen early builds of the new SDK, helping to test the new toolset and get started on Windows Phone 8 apps,” Microsoft’s Todd Brix notes in a blog post.

The full Windows Phone 8 SDK is not ready for release just yet, but it should become available before the end of this year, Brix continues.

He also notes that, starting with the next week, developers who have already published applications in the Windows Phone Marketplace will have access to the tools.

However, it appears that only a few selected will be able to enjoy the new development kit before its general availability.

“Today I’m happy to announce that the time has come to make the near-final kit available to more developers through the Windows Phone 8 SDK Preview Program,” Todd Brix explains.

“Next Wednesday I’ll share detailed instructions on how current Windows Phone developers with published apps can apply. But I do want to set your expectations that program access will be limited.”

The final flavor of the SDK will be released at the same time as the platform itself, a move that is expected to happen at the end of October.

In the meantime, developers will be granted access to the SDK through the Preview Program, so stay tuned to learn more on it as Microsoft shares the necessary details.

Apparently, one of the features that the SDK would provide developers with includes enhanced access to a phone’s camera, so that more Lenses apps could be created, the same as those demoed yesterday on Nokia’s Lumia 920 smartphone.