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Microsoft opens Windows Phone Dev Center, limits in-app purchases to Windows Phone 8 (update: store rebrand too)
It's a day of mixed blessings if you're a Windows Phone developer. The upside? Microsoft has shelved its old App Hub in favor of the heavily reworked Windows Phone Dev Center: along with being simpler and more reliable, it now lets app designers offer their apps in four times as many countries (three times as many for paid apps), gives them better tracking tools and lets them at last get payment from Microsoft through PayPal. We hope they aren't making too many grand plans to bring Microsoft's newly added in-app purchasing support to every title, however. The counterbalance in this story is confirmation in the Dev Center that any in-app commerce will be limited to Windows Phone 8 -- even devices running Windows Phone 7.8 will have to turn to all-or-nothing transactions to directly generate cash. While we can't say we're surprised, knowing that Microsoft hadn't mentioned legacy support before, the news no doubt dampens the enthusiasm for developers who now need to wait for a wave of new devices before they can join the freemium app gold rush. Update: WMPowerUser noticed something in that tiny text on the home page -- the artist formerly known as the Windows Phone Marketplace is now the Windows Phone Store. A small (and still unacknowledged) change, but notable for harmonizing the mobile app shop with the Windows Store on the desktop.
Microsoft lists 180 countries in Windows Phone 8 Marketplace, says apps can filter by screen size
Now that the dust has settled on the big Windows Phone 8 hoedown, Redmond is filling in the details of all its announcements. To wit, it just released a list of the 180 countries that will get access to its WP marketplace and developer app hub. That number is a big jump from the 63 markets and 38 app hubs of today, and with in-app purchasing coming soon, Microsoft emphasized that point -- along with the 100,000 apps in stock -- to developers. The software giant also added that the marketplace will filter apps by phone screen resolution and "other key characteristics," allowing easier targeting of users. To see if your country made the cut, check the source for the very long list.
ChevronWP7 officially closes up shop for good, hands out App Hub memberships
We were a tad disappointed when ChevronWP7 stopped handing out unlock token for Windows Phones in early January, only two months after launching. But, we held out hope that one day the shop might reopen its doors and once again offer a cheap option to those of us that wish to free our WP7 devices from Microsoft's shackles. Sadly, that dream is officially dead, as ChevronWP7 has been shuttered for good. On the plus side, current customers will be rewarded with a one-year membership to Microsoft's App Hub -- currently the only legit way to unlock your Windows Phone. So, we're sad to see ChevronWP7 go but, if you were lucky enough to score a token before the 10,000 available sold out, you got a pretty sweet deal in paying $9 for a $99 App Hub membership. Hit up the source link for full details.[Thanks, Joe]
Windows Phone Marketplace now accepting app submissions for China, five other countries
It wasn't long ago that the Windows Phone Marketplace hit 50,000 unique titles, and very soon, developers may find themselves with a whole lot more exposure. Microsoft's virtual store is expanding once again -- this time to Argentina, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Peru and the Philippines. While it's not yet live in these countries, proactive developers may submit their apps now to benefit from early certification. Practically speaking, this also enables Microsoft to have its "shelves" fully stocked come opening day. So, unless you're an odd duck who doesn't like more money, the time seems ripe to get those apps submitted.
Marketplace reaches 19 new countries, begins countdown for Mango app submission
Fans of Windows Phone have a reason to celebrate around the globe, as the Marketplace just added 19 additional countries to the fold. Users in Brazil, India, Japan, Russia, and South Korea are among those who can begin populating their phones with new apps, but this also means Microsoft has a long way to go before covering its entire user base. Fortunately, the Marketplace itself should receive a much needed shot in the arm because Redmond is now accepting submissions from seven more nations. While China hasn't made the "approved" list, Microsoft insists it's working to change this by early autumn. Developers who want more coin will need to enable access for these new countries in the App Hub, and if you've been working on readying your application for Mango, the company suggests it will begin accepting submissions one month from now. Curious which places made the Who's Who list? You'll find a complete list of nations with access to the Marketplace just past the break. Check it out, will ya?
Evernote hits Windows Phone 7, marches steadily toward complete device domination
Evernote this week announced that its eponymous note-taking software has finally hit Windows Phone 7, the latest in a long line of platforms that includes everything from webOS to Google Wave. Like the dozen or so other versions, the app is all about saving ideas and syncing them across compatible devices. This one, however, was built around WP7's UI, with pivoting panels devoted to Notes, Notebooks, Tags, and Recent Notes. The app is available now for free from the App Hub, so take note -- by writing the information on your hand or something.
Twelve iPhone apps for students
It's been a while since we were in school, but with spring break almost done with, it's time to settle back into that last long stretch of school before it warms up and summer starts. You've got your handy iPod touch or iPhone with you on campus, and of course, you'll download some games, music, and apps that help you figure out where to go Saturday night, but there are also dozens of useful apps for the college student that are sure to be beneficial to you and your education. Here's twelve good ones to check out. Chemical Touch Lite College chemistry is never easy, and students will be required to memorize the periodic table of elements and use chemistry mathematical formulas. Chemical Touch Lite will let you do exactly that -- it has a fully interactive periodic table of elements, as well as information on all of the elements and their symbols. It won't guarantee you an A, but it will help you remember Au (and all of the other elements you need to know). Eleven more after the break!
The TUAW App Hub and a weekend of giveaways
Last week we launched the TUAW iPhone app to much rejoicing (and a tiny bit of consternation). We also launched our App Hub, currently in beta. By that I mean that we're not quite done adding all the features we'd like to add, but we've put together what we think makes a compelling stop during your search for the Ultimate App. Or, at least a few good apps. We realize there are lots of places to get app info and reviews, and like Apple was to CD burning drives, we're a little late to the game in collating our data. The App Hub isn't as powerful as Macworld's App Guide, for example. But our hope is that, over time, we can provide a useful resource for finding our reviews and news, and some handy time-saving links. Plus, soon there will be reviews on the App Hub which never make it to the front page of TUAW -- all in an effort to balance the Mac and iPhone sides of the house. There's lots more goodness planned for the future, as we'll slowly be peeling that beta label right off the wrapper. To celebrate the Hub, the weekend (a holiday in the US) and the general awesomeness of you, our readers, we're starting something pretty cool: regular, frequent app giveaways right on the Hub itself. Chances are you won't see these on the main page. Instead, you'll need to hit the hub for the App Store Giveaway of the Moment. If you're a developer and would like to give away some promo codes, you can get in touch with us here. We've got another couple of non-app giveaways going on too. In the meanwhile, enjoy the weekend!
