MS luring iPhone developers for Zune apps?
updated 09:00 am EDT, Fri August 14, 2009
Zune HD 3rd Party App Leak
Microsoft is actively trying to poach iPhone developers to give the Zune HD a true third-party app platform, according to assertions by one developer. The producer of an unnamed Twitter client for the iPhone tells John Gruber that he was asked earlier this year to port his app to a Microsoft platform with the promise of "a bucket of money" in compensation. The Windows firm's plans weren't clear at this early stage, but it's reportedly "certain" this was for the Zune HD rather than just Windows Mobile.
Microsoft has been publicly encouraging developers to port iPhone apps to Windows Mobile but has so far made no indication that the Zune HD would have any outside apps beyond preloaded games. However, the company recently filed for a trademark on the term OneApp and has hinted the Windows Mobile and Zune platforms may support the same software. Both are based on Windows CE and would require few differences in code.
Third-party apps have been considered essential to the success of the iPod touch as they have both turned it into a significant game platform and also have enabled it as a practical communicator and work tool. So far, the Zune HD is only known to have a web browser in addition to its game and Zune Marketplace features.
TAGS :
iPod, iPod touch, gadgets, software, Zune, Microsoft, Windows Mobile, audio, Windows CE, Apple
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2008
Of course, MS would lure
developers with a bucket of money. What else would developers want besides money? The Zune HD does have some decent hardware to work with and if the SDK is any good, then there should be no hesitation of developers defecting. With all those griping developers that are unhappy with Apple, I hope they do go to the Zune platform and get all the money they feel they deserve. h***, they can develop on both platforms.
I wouldn't think MS would have to go out of it's way to get developers for the Zune. The only downside is whether there are going to be a lot of consumers to buy the Zune initially. It may be a weak platform, but that hardware is certainly worth having at such a low cost.