Windows Phone 7 Series – device requirements and developer tools

On the devices… Accelerometer, location based services, notifications for push, hardware accelerated video with DRM, Information Services Smooth Streaming for highest quality content viewing, camera, mic, and multitouch support for WP7 developer support.

Apps to come from The Associated Press, Archetype International, AWS Convergence Tech, WeatherBug, Citrix Systems, Clarity Consulting, EA Mobile, FourSquare, Fandango, frog Design, Larva Lab, March.com, Matchbox, Microsoft, Namco, Pageonce, pandora, photobucket, PopCap Games, Seesmix, Shazam, Sling Media, SPB, etc.

To create apps, Microsoft is providing Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Express for Windows Phone, Windows Phone 7 Series add-in to use with Visual Studio 2010 RC, XNA Game Studio 4.0, Windows Phone 7 Series emulator for app testing, Expression Blend for Windows Phone Community Technology Preview.

On marketplace… panoramic design and active merchandising to increase discoverability of games and apps. Supports 1-time credit card puchases, mobile operator billing and ad-funded apps, and allows developers to cross-promote apps thru deep linking.

WP7 brings together a rich application environment, powerful hardware, a fresh approach to software and a smart new design. It was designed to generate incredible opportunities for developers and designers to quickly and easily deliver compelling apps and games.