Windows Phone 8 Having Trouble Attracting Developers

colinneagle writes "Microsoft has promised that cross-platform development across the 8s – from Windows 8 on a desktop to Windows Phone 8 – will be a simple matter, but that's still not enough to get some developers moving on Windows Phone 8 support. The Windows Phone platform has made a remarkable recovery since its reset with version 7. Since then, WP7 has grown to 100,000 apps. But that pales in comparison to the 675,000 in Google Play and 700,000 in the Apple App Store. Granted, there's a ton of redundancy – how many weather or newsfeed apps does one person need? – but it points to availability and developer support. A report from VentureBeat points out what should be obvious: that while developers like Windows 8, they aren't as excited about Windows Phone 8 software because they have already made huge investments in other platforms and don't want to support another platform. A survey by IDC and Appcelerator found 78% of Android developers were 'very interested' in programming for Android smartphones, a slight drop from the 83% in a prior survey. Interest in the iPhone and iPad remained undiminished, with 89% and 88% interest, respectively."

Comments

Excuse me? Windows 8 is trash.

[Anonymous Coward]

I'm sorry but Windows 8 is trash for users. I've yet to meet a single person I know who has used Windows 8 and liked it. This ranges from server admins down to grandma with her choice of tablet. Windows keeps forgetting it's audience. They did an amazing job with Windows 7 but now it's like uncle fester without his meds they are trying to take on Apple with an inferior product.

What windows truly needs is to get rid of a certain Executive (*cough*SteveBallmer*cough*) and get one with his head on straight. Focus on your core business. Focus on your strengths. Apple will beat you like a red headed step child if you take them head on. Focus on corporate/enterprise level support. Meet those needs because apple sure as hell isn't trying to.

Re:Made $4 with WP7

[narcc]

Maybe going the ad-supported route was the wrong way to monetize.

But go ahead and blame Microsoft for your mistakes.