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Microsoft has decided to reach out a helping hand and publish a case study that details how to port an iPhone app to its Windows Mobile platform. Now Windows Mobile users may finally have access to the countless fart apps we so thoroughly enjoy.
The post on Microsoft’s Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) site is a case study that documents the experience of one iPhone app developer in porting the app Amplitutude to a device running Windows Mobile 6.5. The report itself was actually created by a third-party consulting group.
Amplitude is an iPhone app that is able to detect and amplify basically any sound directly around a user. The app was chosen for the porting project because it is difficult to port, so it should provide a good learning experience for Windows Mobile developers.
“It combines a rich user interface with features such as alpha blending and transparency with specific audio and sound requirements, which makes it challenging to port the app but, at the same time, provides a number of helpful learning experiences,” he wrote.
Microsoft intends to launch their Windows Marketplace sometime during the fall. As an incentive, they will be offering prizes for the most popular apps.
This is a logical move by Microsoft. What better way is there to lure developers over to your side than by simply having them port their already made apps with an step-by-step walkthrough? The incentives for the most popular apps obviously won’t hurt either.
Are any of you fed up iPhone developers intrigued by the idea of moving your apps over to Windows Mobile?
In all actuality, this probably won't happen..
As a person who makes software, I wouldn't want anyone to reverse engineer my work.
I am sure that is the same for bigger corporations and little guys like me who make these apps.
I wouldn't mind if a person ported a game I made as long as the following are included in the port:
1) The port is of the completed game as specified by me
2) The project is finished to an acceptable state where no expected upgrades will be made
3) The game gives credit to the original source
A game being released by another person with different upgrades from the original and the port-dev isn't sharing knowledge of the upgrades before release, that's shameful on the port developer. Way to kick the original to the curb.
In the Amplitude port to WM, it includes where it's from, so I see it as acceptable. M$ taking the site off their servers in favor of more WP7 stuff, NOT ACCEPTABLE!
it is posibble? i need some of the iphone games..such as angry bird..help
esad (SE Xperia X2) said:
it is posibble? i need some of the iphone games..such as angry bird..help
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Lol if this isn't a joke I suggest a iPhone is more suited for you.
Sent from my Xperia X10 using XDA App
Tasteslikeawesome said:
Lol if this isn't a joke I suggest a iPhone is more suited for you.
Sent from my Xperia X10 using XDA App
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And than he will have a very expensive brick with antena issues to play fun games.
By the way, Microsoft no longer has the site on how to port the iphone games to the WM platform. It's sad to say, but I'm losing faith in M$ knowing what to do in the smart phone department.
WP7 has been out for about 10 months now. When I browse the UK marketplace I can't believe we barely have UK specific apps. I met a French friend the other day and his Optimus 7 had plenty of French apps to work with but here in the UK we have to rely on 3rd party developers. That's very odd, I wonder what's happening between Microsoft and the UK. We have what, Tesco, Yell, a few radio apps and that's about it.
Big absentees I can think of:
Amazon
Lovefilm
Argos
Metro
Sky
BBC
TVGuide
AA
Post Office
Sainsburys (coming I believe)
BT Phonebook
Jobcentre
Any banking app
Plus probably many more you can name. You can't tell me it's because of APIs either, most if not all of the apps above would be possible with WP7 v1.0
Amazon Kindle is available in the UK - but I agree the Amazon shopper app would be cool. I'd love to see an iPlayer app from the BBC but there's been no word of that and I too feel as though I'm missing out from a banking app.
To be honest, though, I think it's because most of these companies don't actually develop their mobile apps, they outsource to 3rd party companies who build the cross-platform apps for them. If those 3rd party companies don't build Windows Phone apps then there won't be a Windows Phone app for the main company.
It's something Microsoft could try and push (and who knows, they might be) but it might not be high on the priority list.
We do have British Airways though.
Yeah anyone can fly on British Airways so I'm not really counting this one. It's odd that the French have all sorts of French apps though, they probably use 3rd party developers too afterall.
I wonder how it is in other European countries where the marketplace is open.
Hasn't Microsoft recently released a UK only Bing app? I think in Germany there isn't any specific dedicated app at all. But to be honest here, I'm quite satisfied with the generic apps out there.
I came from Android and didn't really have these apps on there so I don't really feel like I'm missing something, but you do have a point.
Tesco Groceries and Tesco Good Food were available on launch but not much after that. I can see Sky coming soon.. The BBC apps are fairly new aren't they?
The BBC apps aren't official, the main one has been there since launch I believe. Most if not all of these apps are available on iOS and Android. Many are also on BlackBerry and the Ovi store.
Sent from my Samsung Omnia 7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Peew971 said:
The BBC apps aren't official, the main one has been there since launch I believe. Most if not all of these apps are available on iOS and Android. Many are also on BlackBerry and the Ovi store.
Sent from my Samsung Omnia 7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
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Maybe I get you wrong, but honestly.. First lots of people were complaining about all those apps that were missing in WP7 but available for other mobile OSes, now you complain about a lack of WP7 exclusive apps? To be a little more precise WP7 exclusive apps that are limited to the UK? Hmm.. From a business point of view that doesn't make sense. Why should developers limit their apps - which generate income - to one single OS and on top of that to one single region?
dkp1977 said:
Maybe I get you wrong, but honestly.. First lots of people were complaining about all those apps that were missing in WP7 but available for other mobile OSes, now you complain about a lack of WP7 exclusive apps? To be a little more precise WP7 exclusive apps that are limited to the UK? Hmm.. From a business point of view that doesn't make sense. Why should developers limit their apps - which generate income - to one single OS and on top of that to one single region?
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He's not talking about WP7 Exclusives, he's talking about apps from UK Based companies like BBC, BSkyB or Barclays which are available for other devices but not WP7.
brummiesteven said:
He's not talking about WP7 Exclusives, he's talking about apps from UK Based companies like BBC, BSkyB or Barclays which are available for other devices but not WP7.
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Ah, k then. I already guessed I got him wrong. ^^ I didn't say anything.
No worries
Sent from my Samsung Omnia 7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
I know for a good fact that banking apps are coming, the inlaw works in banking security and they are in the process of developing the apps for the UK.
Windows Phone sadly is taking up the rear, ive seen what they are working on with the iphone and android.
In all fairness it's because it's a new platform.
Hate to compare to android all the time, but I had a G1 and then a HTC Desire. Big apps, ports of big iPhone apps didn't even start surfacing until the Nexus One was launched which was about 1 year, 3 months after the G1. As I was leaving Android, Big UK Apps started to surface like Sky News etc. This was on WP's launch, around November 2010.
If we assume the timescales will be the same, IMO the Nokia Sea Ray (or whatever Nokia's Flagship WP device turns out to be) is Windows Phone's equivalent to the Nexus One.
Sorry to bring up an old thread.
I've noticed that theres alot of things I would like to add to my phone but can't as noone seems to be creating these apps for WP7
I used to use MoBank, as I bank with natwest. I've been asking them about an app for wp7 since december, they keep replying they're working on it, I've just found out that not only have they "updated" their iphone app, but have released a BB one as well . Also Mobank seems to have disappeared from the marketplace.
Anyone know of any good banking apps?
A few minutes ago on twitter:
@LazywormApps
Today is a very sad day for us. We apologize for this unfortunate situation and promise to make it up to you all...
http://lazywormapps.com/
http://lazywormapps.com/letterToCustomers.pdf
http://www.wpcentral.com/metrotube-be-discontinued-after-january-1st
Honestly, that sucks ****. One of the best and outstanding apps for Windows Phone is gonna be pulled from the marketplace. Let me get this straight.. I don't blame the developers (LazywormApps), since they decided to follow the terms of service that apply to Youtube.com. I blame Google for not providing the appropriate API or at least allow the use of workarounds.
It think this is a pretty good reason to show our support, even though I'm currently now sure about how exactly. Maybe turn to Google support, or Microsoft? Or whatever. I'm sure if enough users help, things could change.
Pretty ****ed up :/
I wonder if google will ever release more APIs...
its a real shame
That sucks, Windows Phone gets a bit less appealing everyday.
Sent from my Samsung Omnia 7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Peew971 said:
That sucks, Windows Phone gets a bit less appealing everyday.
Sent from my Samsung Omnia 7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
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I wonder if we are so app-centric in a people-centric UI!
What a lame argument, you can't get the experience you get from MetroTube without an app. Apps are important, those saying otherwise are just lunatics.
Sent from my Samsung Omnia 7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Google are the reason they are pulling it:
“Unfortunately, Google has refused to allow Microsoft’s new Windows Phones to access this YouTube metadata in the same way that Android phones and iPhones do. As a result, Microsoft’s YouTube “app” on Windows Phones is basically just a browser displaying YouTube’s mobile Web site, without the rich functionality offered on competing phones. Microsoft is ready to release a high quality YouTube app for Windows Phone. We just need permission to access YouTube in the way that other phones already do, permission Google has refused to provide.”
http://www.winrumors.com/microsoft-our-windows-phone-7-youtube-app-sucks-because-of-google/
Peew971 said:
What a lame argument, you can't get the experience you get from MetroTube without an app. Apps are important, those saying otherwise are just lunatics.
Sent from my Samsung Omnia 7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
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It's in no a way an argument! However the fact that absence of an app made it so unappealing should definitely be classified as app-centric user who knowing that the OS lacks apps should have bought an android in first place!
I wonder why metrotube did not mention Google Restriction on MetaData and said HD as the reason
And if that is so How did the App work ?
wpxbox said:
I wonder why metrotube did not mention Google Restriction on MetaData and said HD as the reason
And if that is so How did the App work ?
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If my memory serve me right, they used some undocumented api and some TOC violation to make HD video available to WP7, I didn't keep the source link, maybe someone here can help?
Lol that's my luck.....i just purchased it two days ago! I've typically just used the browser but heard so many good things about the app I figured I'd give it a shot. What a shame because it actually is a very nice app.
We want metrotube even without HQ/HD streaming!
Snake. said:
We want metrotube even without HQ/HD streaming!
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Go ahead and tell @LazywormApps
That's sucks, and I paid for this app.
Oh well, supertube will suffice. Lets blame Google.
I can't believe Google is STILL blocking wp7 from this. I really want to know why they are doing this, and even more how they are allowed to block only a single platform.
dtboos said:
I can't believe Google is STILL blocking wp7 from this. I really want to know why they are doing this, and even more how they are allowed to block only a single platform.
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What makes me wonder is the fact that there's a very well working YouTube app for XBox 360. So why is the API officially available for THIS specific Microsoft platform, but not for Windows Phone?
It could just come down to not wanting the competition to have a feature that you use as a major selling point. The Xbox platform doesn't compete with Android, but WP7 does.
With iOS, the contract between YouTube and Apple was established before there was an Android platform (and, I suspect, before the Google acquisition of YouTube was completed). But, since the contract is already in place, I suspect that Google's hands are tied on that front (at least until the terms of the contract expire, if ever).
RoboDad said:
It could just come down to not wanting the competition to have a feature that you use as a major selling point. The Xbox platform doesn't compete with Android, but WP7 does.
With iOS, the contract between YouTube and Apple was established before there was an Android platform (and, I suspect, before the Google acquisition of YouTube was completed). But, since the contract is already in place, I suspect that Google's hands are tied on that front (at least until the terms of the contract expire, if ever).
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+1
I have a samsung focus and an HTC flyer. I am amazed to see heavenly lag free browsing, no force closes, tightest social integration, apps managemnt with games going to Xbox category, all photos in one place, office, skydrive, etc etc on my focus. Mango is plain awesome. As for phone, I don't need an android phone after seeing the performance of my flyer vis a vis my focus. Though flyer is not bad in performance, I just wish there were mango tablets available in market. I will definitely go for a mango or tango tablet once it is available in market.
That's why Google is afraid of this new age os.
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using Tapatalk
anyone tried supertube
can anybody try to capture the application? i think that could be the best thing. So in the future we could just deploy this app with a xap deployer.
I've just read it and I want to share it with you.
For all of us who bought this app for Bada 1.2 and now realized that this app won't be available with Bada 2.0:
Samo Jurdik (B2C Business Unit Director) 2 days ago
Dear customers,
I am sorry to share bad news today. We stopped selling our app for bada. The effort we need to put into maintaining the app is not matched with sales.
We will also not provide an update to bada 2.0. We promised to provide the update but we failed to develop it. We worked on the update for a couple of months but we did not manage to get the app working well enough.
Then the news came in that Samsung will merge bada with Tizen. It means to us that we would need to rework our app again. Read more here:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabeth...
Combination of low sales, problems with app updates and a difficult outlook for the operating system lead us to the decision to stop sales of our app for bada.
We are keen to keep you using Sygic. In case you will change your phone to Android in the future, we can provide you with a free migration license. Just contact our support and provide any proof of purchase of our bada app. Unfortunately we can not provide you with free migration license to iOS because billing is handled by Apple.
Once again, sincere apologies for failing to provide you with an update to bada 2.0. I am very sorry.
Samo
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Source: http://support.sygic.com
I think that any word at this moment can describe exactly what i'm thinking about Bada....
Stop spoofing games & Apps
it's means stealing
" Combination of low sales ... "
if everyone instead of spoof the app would buy the app
than maybe it would be worth to the developers to develop more apps for bada
sad
Both Sygic and NDrive had terrible pricing for their apps. Heck the Australia version of one of the apps was $80, while most of the other versions was only $40.
I agree that spoofing can hurt the overall sales of an app, but an app needs to be priced right, and have some consistency. Secondly alot of people who spoofed these apps were never offered a proper version they could download for their part of the world. When you see that neither Sygic or NDrive create the map data themselves, then it seems even more of a no brainer as to why they didn't have proper worldwide coverage of their apps.
Apps are usually priced the same across different OS and not across different countries. Check the second sentence, Samo clearly states that sales as compared to effort for development/maintenance is not on par. Stop spoofing and start buying.
Hi
With my S8600 i can found sygic in the store (web+device).
On the french store...
I don't buy it, maybe someone know if it's run o bada 2.0
regards
Don't buy it. It won't run on bada 2.0.
Real reason?
corporate.tomtom.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=637944
TomTom signs strategic deal with Samsung
while spoofing may hurt sales a little i dont think that is the main problem for this decision (hell... android has even more people getting their paid apps for free... i personally dont know any 1 who has paid for their gps app ... lol .. maybe sad.. but true)
i think it has more to do with the fact that the future of bada is at this moment a lottery, and on the other hand,, the deal with tomtom
In case of Andriod that is not an issue, as the customer base is so large that even a small percentage of people buying the apps meet the developer's target. And for bada as the customer base is low it affects the developers a lot. Future of bada doesn't just depends on the Samsung's decision and the deal with tomtom, it also depends on us being a good customer. We need to pay for what we use and not just steal as no-one can catch us. If we want bada to flourish then support it and don't be a leech.
@wav3rid3r : I'm not pointing fingers at you, just making a statement in general.
Saw this great article (http://www.wpcentral.com/nokia-causing-fragmentation-windows-phone-their-exclusive-apps) and it's worth discussion. Actually I'm pissed about what Nokia is doing. Is it by force to use a Nokia device?? If I dont, why I'm I being punnised for it by not getting some good apps?
Nokia has made moves to gain some big titles (and leverage) for their hardware. Who does it hurt? Who does it benefit and is it a good thing? I say a BIG NO, it's not a good thing. Good for Nokia but not for the OS (Windows Phone)
The real deal is, Nokia’s strategy to get these apps and games on their hardware will definetely hurt Windows Phone and I can see Nokia's Version of Windows Phone coming out real soon and it aint good.
Pissed this morning, Always Nokia, Nokia, Nokia all ove the news with exclusive good apps.....WTF
All of the applications will be timed exclusive to nokia phones. Since the applications will be arriving sooner or later to other windows phones, i see no harm is being made. That being said, i think this is nokia trying to make developers care for the windows phone platform and is helping them to develop their applications for windows. That is probably why they get a timed exclusive for their phones. In the end, every windows phone user will be benefited as more applications will arrive to the platform!
I do not see why this is a bad thing.
1. Every manufacturer has their exclusive apps. Nokia is not the first one to do this, it's what manufacturers need on WP7 to differ themselves from each other.
2. Some of these are not even proper exclusives. These are timed exclusive and will be available to other phones at a later time as well.
I agree with you but wait for a year or what? Why do I have to wait soo long to get a CNN or ESPN app on my phone? How many people can just wait for apps they want desperately? I just can't wait and I just can't get a Lumia device so what? How about we that fall in this category?
Kenzibit said:
I agree with you but wait for a year or what? Why do I have to wait soo long to get a CNN or ESPN app on my phone? How many people can just wait for apps they want desperately? I just can't wait and I just can't get a Lumia device so what? How about we that fall in this category?
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ESPN has another app, and is also available online. CNN can be pulled into any RSS reader. Are these the only examples you have?
If so, the argument is very weak.
For the apps that dont exist - would they at all anyway if not for Nokia? Would you get them any sooner if not for Nokia? At all?
I see no validity in the argument for fragmentation. App availability by region has always been there. Is China causing fragmentation in WP7 because Twitter and Facebook have been removed for any handset sold in China?
Kenzibit said:
I agree with you but wait for a year or what? Why do I have to wait soo long to get a CNN or ESPN app on my phone? How many people can just wait for apps they want desperately? I just can't wait and I just can't get a Lumia device so what? How about we that fall in this category?
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Because Nokia is investing the time and money to develop these apps in the first place or at least is incenting the content owner (CNN or ESPN) to create these apps.
as eknutson described it already: If not for Nokia, you'd probably not see these apps at all or at least a lot later, when the OS has seen a wider range of adoption.
Let me also point out that some apps are not even without an alternative. Take the announced "BOX" app: Why wait for an official app, if "Boxfiles For Box.net FREE" does the same job?
If you managed to live without a paypal app this long, why not another 6 months?
hMM
i have to admit the ESPN app on Nokia is nice, I just used the switcher app in the forum.
LOL, what is all the nonsense about fragmentation?
You act like the apps won't work on other WP devices.
Nokia coughed up their own money to make the developers bring these apps to WP and you want them to then share with other OEMs?!?
OEMs who have been in the game significantly longer and have simply twiddled their thumbs and blamed MS for all WP woes while pumping out me-too devices as opposed to innovating?
BE REAL!
Thank Nokia for giving these developers the incentive to give WP the time of day.
Once they begin working on their apps, they will realize just how easy it is to code for the OS, leading to more apps in the future as opposed to the current developers having to rely on APIs that blocked all the time (Pandora, Instagram) so they too can produce their own original apps for the platform.
Plus fragmentation refers to the OS version, not the apps themselves.
And if you're so mad about it, go buy a Nokia device.
Well let's see, either Nokia gets them first by paying cash out of their own pockets and then in time shares it with the OEMs who couldn't care less about doing anything for the platform, or we don't get them at all because no OEM cares. Without Nokia, WP7 really would be a lesser OS. Don't get me wrong, I used a DVP for almost a year before the first Nokia device got sent my way, but Nokia made WP7 MUCH better.
Not only does this give us the games, it builds the framework to create future versions of the game. This is helping WP7 perpetually, now stop getting angry that you picked up a piece of recycled android hardware and be happy for all that Nokia has done for our fine OS.
Other OEM's are free to make deals with big development companies too...
But they won´t, take a look at HTC for example, they could make deal with Route 66 about navigation, for example one/two free maps, but no, they offer you trial, and then you must pay.
Excellent comments so far but I still don't think it's fair for people to benefit more than others on the same OS. In the Android world, I think it's about OS customizations and not apps benefits. All apps are acquired by everyone, the only difference being your customizations and experience.
Secondly, I know some HTC and MS workers will see this post, after all they are here with us under disguise ;-)
Yea, right, I hate everyone who owns an HTC because he has an sound enhancer...wait, I don´t, I don´t even hated LG for having DLNA app in front of many others...just think please!
Some companies put simply more effort into the platform, HTC puts it into the Android OS, Nokia is so far first OEM whose commitment can be really seen, and you want to hate just because of that? Gimmie a break.
It could encourage HTC and Samsung to retreat even more from Windows Phone, if their sales get that much worse in comparison.
And if they instead take the initiative and start on the same strategy then that would be fragmentation, just like the article says. Temporary fragmentation, to be sure, but what happens when someone realizes that "I either buy HTC and get this and this app, or Samsung and get this and this app, or Nokia and get this and this app"?
thebobp said:
It could encourage HTC and Samsung to retreat even more from Windows Phone, if their sales get that much worse in comparison.
And if they instead take the initiative and start on the same strategy then that would be fragmentation, just like the article says. Temporary fragmentation, to be sure, but what happens when someone realizes that "I either buy HTC and get this and this app, or Samsung and get this and this app, or Nokia and get this and this app"?
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Going on this way Android should have failed real quick then. But apparently it's alive and well...to me stepping up the competion always leads to a win for the user. Without HTC and other OEMs skinning the older, fugly and piss poor versions of Android there would have been no Android boom at all IMHO. Thanks to them actually investing on the platform, it is now the most relevant phone OS in the world. Not bad heh?
vnvman said:
Going on this way Android should have failed real quick then. But apparently it's alive and well...to me stepping up the competion always leads to a win for the user. Without HTC and other OEMs skinning the older, fugly and piss poor versions of Android there would have been no Android boom at all IMHO. Thanks to them actually investing on the platform, it is now the most relevant phone OS in the world. Not bad heh?
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I'm not talking about skinning (which the user can rationalize as "am i buying this look or that look?" ) but apps actually being unavailable depending on which phone you buy. Say all manufacturers start advertising very hard: "come to us; the others don't have these apps!" Unfortunately, this is negative advertising, and incoming users would start wondering "eh, why don't i just go to iOS, where i'll have all of them?" that's the essence of fragmentation.
Of course, the other alternative (that nobody else bothers to escalate) is almost as bad.
sent from my Terran Command Center.
This thread must be a wind-up. Seriously -- no one could be complaining about "fragmentation" due to one OEM deciding to bring more value to their own handsets.
Kenzibit said:
Is Nokia causing fragmentation on Windows Phone with their exclusive apps? YES
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I don't understand your use of the word "fragmentation." At present if a developer chooses to make an app that works on ALL Windows Phones they can. If some developer is sitting on their @$$ and only servicing the iphone market and a manufacturer makes a deal and pays the developer to make an exclusive app for their phone I don't see what the problem is. It's not like they are saying, hey ebay I know you have a Windows Phone app. Why don't I pay you to pull it and only make it for my handsets.
HTC can join the party or fold. By Nokia enticing developers with ITS OWN MONEY they are only expanding the Windows Phone eco system. I don't really see a time in the future where so many apps are bought up everyone has a hard time getting an app on their phone. Once a critical mass of apps are on Windows Phone more handsets will sell and developers will create apps without incentives. Heck if someone enticed epocrates to create a Windows Phone version of their software I would buy that brand of phone. That would be better than the current state of affairs (ie nothing).
sitizenx said:
I don't understand your use of the word "fragmentation." At present if a developer chooses to make an app that works on ALL Windows Phones they can. If some developer is sitting on their @$$ and only servicing the iphone market and a manufacturer makes a deal and pays the developer to make an exclusive app for their phone I don't see what the problem is. It's not like they are saying, hey ebay I know you have a Windows Phone app. Why don't I pay you to pull it and only make it for my handsets.
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Same result either way: the app is available only for Nokia (at least temporarily). If you agree the latter is fragmentation, then you'll agree the former is. Fragmentation for a good reason is still fragmentation.
Right now it's not that worrisome; what is worrisome is if the others happen to respond in kind. Then we'll really have fragmentation of apps - "such and such is available only on HTC Windows Phone, such and such only on Samsung Windows Phone, and such and such only on Nokia".
That's not "fragmentation," it's "exclusivity."
Different issue.