Develop Bugs

.XAP Marketplace apps free (illegal) downloadable?

According to WPcentral:
Sounds like an innocent blog that reviews apps right? Well the concerns from the Twitter posts is that not only does the site review apps but it also contains download links for the .xap file that is residing on Microsoft's servers.
Even if you download the .xap file, it's going to take some effort to get it installed to your Windows Phone 7.
You will need the developer tools and device that is unlocked for development. While the developer tools are free, you have to be a registered developer to get an unlocked device. You CAN however download the .xap and rename it as a .zip and look at the structure of the app, though we're 99% sure that the real "code" of the app is compiled/encoded/encrypted.
Not many will be able to do much with this downloadable file. That is unless you're a developer looking to download free apps from other developers. Still, one has to wonder why it's so easy for a third party site to provide download links to Marketplace apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are talking about the website: http://winmobile7.apphab.com/
Kind of a strange site. They are offering free downloads of paid marketplace applications. Unless you are a developer, you can't do anything with it. But it's still strange...

This sounds like a good way to get in a lot of trouble. I would bet Microsoft can see what apps are installed when the phone checks for marketplace app updates even if you side load it as a developer.

And its still live and offering files to download. Shoddy MS security on display, extremely troubling for devs.

Hopefully Microsoft will look into that site and any similar sites.
We cant have developers loosing money because of these people.

I can't see where you download apps - if its real why not post a link on http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/windowsphone7/threads ?

It says it's for free and trial versions. Isn't it pointless to provide download files anyway since you can only install apps via the Marketplace?

****, they have my app on there, not happy

my app does support trial, I'm not seeing anything about xap downloads, hopefully this means the breach has been fixed and not that I'm looking in the wrong place
I don't mind free publicity, but I put many hours into that and don't want it spread around in such a way (free, unauthorized downloads, raw code)

Definitely not cool for developers. One issue is that all the apps are silverlight and are only compiled to MSIL. Pop open the binaries with Reflector and you've basically got the source code. All devs should utilize Dotfuscator to at least help with this.
http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_...-with-preemptive-solutions-for-analytics.aspx

ckacey said:
my app does support trial, I'm not seeing anything about xap downloads, hopefully this means the breach has been fixed and not that I'm looking in the wrong place
I don't mind free publicity, but I put many hours into that and don't want it spread around in such a way (free, unauthorized downloads, raw code)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks like the site that had the links (http://winmobile7.apphab.com) took down the link to the XAPs but I bet the issue is still there. It was a pretty simple URL to the Microsoft server. You just had to know the application's GUID and you could download the XAP.

I don't see how this makes them free... you can easily see you need a registered dev device, I doubt it makes the app "free" because there is a fee you must pay.

efjay said:
And its still live and offering files to download. Shoddy MS security on display, extremely troubling for devs.
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Click to collapse
Microsoft can check your device and see if you have pirated software on it, just like they do for XBox live. They already have the infrastructure in place and if you pirate be prepared to have your phone banned from Marketplace, Zune, XBox Live, etc.

RustyGrom said:
Definitely not cool for developers. One issue is that all the apps are silverlight and are only compiled to MSIL. Pop open the binaries with Reflector and you've basically got the source code. All devs should utilize Dotfuscator to at least help with this.
http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_...-with-preemptive-solutions-for-analytics.aspx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any decent develper will Obfuscate the code. If they didn't, they were kind of asking for it since it's hot hard to intercept data being downloaded over WiFi, etc. The fact that it can only come from the market was never enough to stop people from getting their hands on the files downloaded from said market.
It's no different than any other platform that uses a VM architecture (Android, WP7, WM 6.x .NET CF, Java ME, etc.).

I found my own app there. I don't however see a download link?
--edit: Nvm, should've read the thread to its end.

What is the URL? To replace with GUID or XAP filename? Could always use archive.org.

i guys!i have a mega pack xap installers with games and apps.
i poste for everyone previous.
sorry bad english...
cmpts

is a method to decrypt files xap
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=34246750&postcount=3

WP7 and SQL Azure

Hi guys,
I'm looking forward to building apps with WP7 using SQL Azure database
I can build apps with WP7 and have my SQL Azure database ready, but I don't know how to query data from Azure to my WP7 client
So far I don't find any tutorial on this topic yet
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks

huy302 said:
Hi guys,
I'm looking forward to building apps with WP7 using SQL Azure database
I can build apps with WP7 and have my SQL Azure database ready, but I don't know how to query data from Azure to my WP7 client
So far I don't find any tutorial on this topic yet
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have an Azure account to test, but don't you just connect to an Azure SQL server the same way you do a regular one?
Code:
string _connectionString = "Server=tcp:[serverName].database.windows.net;Database=myDataBase;User ID=[LoginForDb]@[serverName];Password=myPassword;Trusted_Connection=False;Encrypt=True;";
using(SqlConnection conn = new SqlConnection(_connectionString)) {
conn.Open();
...
}
Replacing the information in _connectionString for your Azure account obviously. You can find all necessary connection strings here:
http://www.connectionstrings.com/sql-azure

Blade0rz said:
I don't have an Azure account to test, but don't you just connect to an Azure SQL server the same way you do a regular one?
Replacing the information in _connectionString for your Azure account obviously. You can find all necessary connection strings here:
http://www.connectionstrings.com/sql-azure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep.
Oh an NO EXCUSES for not having an Azure account!
For all of you independent software developers out there, you can get a full Azure instance for FREE.
Just sign up for BizSpark:
http://www.microsoft.com/bizspark/default.aspx
Yes, it is legal and if you are developing software, you you qualify. Basically, BizSpark gets you a full MSDN account, including Azure for free.
Not bad...
BTW, get started on SQL Azure here: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sqlazure/whitepapers.aspx

Hi,
I'm currently registered as an individual software developer in germany.
Do I have to use my own name as "Startup Name"? How is the general
process with BizSpark? What do I fill in for "Date/Month founded"? The
date when I registered as developer in germany? I read about the
sponsorship network partner you need to approval. What about this?
I contacted one of the partners OCC Bangalore for more info.

toolsche said:
Hi,
I'm currently registered as an individual software developer in germany.
Do I have to use my own name as "Startup Name"? How is the general
process with BizSpark? What do I fill in for "Date/Month founded"? The
date when I registered as developer in germany? I read about the
sponsorship network partner you need to approval. What about this?
I contacted one of the partners OCC Bangalore for more info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PM Sent on BizSpark

I would like to know the same about the process of the BizSpark. I'm interested in using SQL Azure.

Probably not a good idea. Unless you don't mind giving access to anyone with Reflector your connection string. (A read-only account with V. limited priv's for example).
Might be better to host a webservice and make requests to that webservice using one of the many Client - Server frameworks (WCF, JSON, etc) available.
That way the client calls a method on the webservice which queries the Azure data and then returns it to the client. The client then know's nothing about the database.
nTier might seem a bit much, but a hacker with your database login could be worse .

Yelp NOT updating the WP7 app anytime soon, but actively hiring for more mobile devs

A question was asked on yelp's Facebook page, "Will yelp be updating the Windows Phone 7 app anytime soon??".
The answer: "Unfortunately, not in the near timeframe. Believe it or not, we're still a very small team and as such, our priorities lie with the platforms that see the most engagement (iPhone and Android) BUT, we are actively hiring for more mobile developers, so if you know anyone, please send them our way and I'll also tell our team we have some eager folks out there who'd appreciate an update."
Not the answer I was looking for. I thought I would share this information here to create buzz and/or maybe a developer might be looking for an opportunity with yelp.
I miss checking in, uploading images, and writing reviews on the mobile app for yelp that I had used previously on the iPhone and Android and hoping to get this updated on the WP7. Anyone else wanting an update for yelp?
Edit: Can someone please post this link (facebook.com/yelp/posts/110435869032330?notif_t=share_reply) I'm new here and it won't allow me to link it.

Maybe they should provide proper APIs like other social networks so we don't have to rely on their small team -_-

PG2G said:
Maybe they should provide proper APIs like other social networks so we don't have to rely on their small team -_-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be nice as well.

Image Sizes and Costs

I downloaded somewhere some image sizes - below are two. I am not too sure which one I downloaded these for / from. But can these icon information be used for Windows Mobile 7, Android, and iPad / iPhone?
From what I think I remember speaking with one developer helping him with testing his game, I think he said it was $99.00 a year for 100 applications. If I only wanted to submit one (free) application, would it be better to find someone that already has the feature to develop this application? The application is very small - mainly to read one specific RSS feed.

Hey
the developer account costs are not connected to the image license price. If you want to submit a WP7 app to the marketplace, you have to own a developer account, that costs $99/year. But this price does not grant the permission to use these pictures. You have to ask the creator whether you're allowed to use them.
Regards
Chris

Thanks - sorry I did not mean to imply I would use these images, I just did not know if it was these image (sizes / quality) that was needed.
If the developer has an account though and he develops the app that I need, can he use that account to upload the app?

Hey
For the licensing procedure and requirements you should visit this link:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh184843(v=VS.92).aspx
But I don't get your question. If you're asking wheter you could have another developer programming and submitting the application you need the answer is yes. Every developer that has an account can send apps in. You just have to find someone that wants to create your application. Another possibility would be to program your app yourself and send the compiled version to a developer, so that he can pass it to the WP marketplace...
Regards
Chris

If you need an app built for something easy like an RSS feed, check this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=941248
it discusses a build your own app website.
http://thirdlabs.com/
I have never used it and have no afiliation with the site, but it looks easy enough...
Anywho, once the app is made, you can
sideload it (if you're unlocked)
pay for a dev account and submit it ($99 a year)
try to get a free student account and submit it (see here )
find someone with a dev account that will submit it for you
good luck

Thanks for the links! I have run into the RSS feed link - but it was not that site.
Yes, Chris - that answers that question. I thought as much but wanted to make sure. (Sorry it is difficult for me to sometimes get my point across due to my health).

we need a store for the developed apps that can't be submitted to the windows store

I hope one of the developer can make an app that can deliver updates for the apps built for introp capabilities and the apps not available anymore in the windows store

Of course we need, let's ask Jay Freeman for help.

Yeah sure cause it's getting messy out there and you have to check all the threads to keep up with the developers works

But wait, maybe we should get jailbreak first

w.bogdan said:
But wait, maybe we should get jailbreak first
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my phone is already jailbroken!

karaki93 said:
my phone is already jailbroken!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Did you changed your password?

What password?

Exactly what are you talking about?

karaki93 said:
Exactly what are you talking about?
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Click to collapse
I believe he is talking about naive, useless ideas coming from newbies

sensboston said:
I believe he is talking about naive, useless ideas coming from newbies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just long time jailbreak user on iPhone Waiting for something like AnsweringMachine https://9to5mac.com/2016/08/18/answeringmachine-cydia-tweak-enhanced-voicemail/ Firewall iP or Tage on W10M

sensboston said:
I believe he is talking about naive, useless ideas coming from newbies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why useless? In WP7 there was Bazaar and Devstore and it was really usefull. (for me )
Greetz,

Let's make a list of apps that deserve to be in the alternative store for W10M. I can only think of
1. Interop Tools
2. PoGo-UWP (Pokemon Go for W10M)
Any other suggestions?

w.bogdan said:
Let's make a list of apps that deserve to be in the alternative store for W10M. I can only think of
1. Interop Tools
2. PoGo-UWP (Pokemon Go for W10M)
Any other suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Font Style
- App Data Manage Tool
- Reboot

The list is growing everyday and there's also the apps pulled of the store but there's xap/appx on some forums so it worth the work on such app

@Rataplan, why do you need a special "store" just for the certain apps? Create a static web page with the short descriptions and tiles, links to the packages (but don't forget appropriate content type for the .xap, .appx & .appbundle extensions) looking good on the phone screen, host anywhere on the free anonymous http hosting and post link here - what's all
I believe, mods will be happy to pin/announce your page link at the forum's FAQ post.
P.S. Of course you are free to call your page "The Ultimate Underground WP Store"

sensboston said:
@Rataplan, why do you need a special "store" just for the certain apps? Create a static web page with the short descriptions and tiles, links to the packages (but don't forget appropriate content type for the .xap, .appx & .appbundle extensions) looking good on the phone screen, host anywhere on the free anonymous http hosting and post link here - what's all
I believe, mods will be happy to pin/announce your page link at the forum's FAQ post.
P.S. Of course you are free to call your page "The Ultimate Underground WP Store"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't be rude, in fact is a great idea thinking to the future with new tools.
Your idea is great too, we can to create an app seeded by a anonymous hosting. Why not?
Enviado desde mTalk

fer_cabr said:
- Font Style - App Data Manage Tool - Reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A reboot app is already in Windows Store - Power Options
Here are some of the reasons an alternative store might be good:
- Developers can reach a wider user base and get their work known, provide updates and receive feedback from users.
- User can easily find new apps and install them from a trusted source, receive updates in a simple way and request features.
But we only have four apps so far

sensboston said:
@Rataplan, why do you need a special "store" just for the certain apps? Create a static web page with the short descriptions and tiles, links to the packages (but don't forget appropriate content type for the .xap, .appx & .appbundle extensions) looking good on the phone screen, host anywhere on the free anonymous http hosting and post link here - what's all
I believe, mods will be happy to pin/announce your page link at the forum's FAQ post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, that's a really good idea (and more realistic than building a store tbh).
If people want an app they can make a web wrapper of that, I guess?
Although I'm not sure if a web wrapper can update installed apps, which would be super convenient for something like this

it doesn't have to be a fully functional store and update the apps automatically but at least provide all the apps in one place and notify about updates so users download them and install them manually so if a web-rapper app can notify about the updates it'll be more then enough for me

@karaki93, I gave you an idea; don't ask but do it by yourself!
P.S. If you need some advises or consultations, many people here will be happy to help you. The only thing you need is a start working on project instead of posting requests
P.P.S. Very first advise: find a XML- or JSON-based HTML5 mobile site template (without SQL database), this will be a 50% of the project.