Author: Charles PetzoldPublisher: Microsoft Press, 2011Pages: 792ISBN: 978-0735656673Aimed for: C # programmers Rating: 5Pros: An excellent presentation of useful examplesCons: Late introduction of Pivot and Panorama controlsReviewed by: Mike James this is a book about programming Windows 7 Telephone mainly but not exclusively using Silverlight.
The first thing you need to know is that it is available as a free ebook from Microsoft in an issue covering both Silverlight and XNA.
I started reading this book as a PDF file on a Kindle and while it was OK that I was relieved to switch to the printed version as soon as it was available.
This book is by the legendary Charles Petzold who did so much to enable us to get started with creating applications for early Windows.
The task of creating Windows phone apps is not as difficult as working with 16-bit Windows, but it's nice to know that the author has a pedigree.
This describes the design of the phone and how to get started with the development environment.
Soon you have your first Silverlight and XNA minimize your first hello world programs are running.
The good thing about Part 1 is that Silverlight and XNA development go hand in hand.
Each time you do something in Silverlight same problem is handled in XNA.
This dual treatment is a unique feature of this book and I think it helps.
While many programmers will specialize in either Silverlight or XNA, know how the two fit together is enlightening and potentially useful - making them work together can be just what you need.
This said, it is important to realize that if you have programmed Silverlight, WPF or XNA will find many of the themes of the audit.
However, the author can usually say something down to ground that brings even something you know in clear focus.
Chapter 3 on handling touch events are particularly interesting.
None of this is particularly sophisticated, but it is the core and it is well explained.
At the end of part I should have a good earthing in writing programs for WP7 and have a reasonable understanding of the differences between the two approaches to creating apps, and what each is especially good at.
Part II, which begins on page 143, focuses on Silverlight development alone and it is a shame to leave behind XNA, but the good news is that there is a companion volume which deals with XNA.
Much of the discussion in this section is about how XAML and code interact.
Chapter 7 is a good introduction to XAML, and I recommend you read it even if you have used the XAML for a while just to fill in any missing gaps in your knowledge.
Chapter 8 explains some basic use of elements - characters, simple animation, feature films, working with bitmaps and so on.
Chapter 9 focuses on the layout with a look at the standard Silverlight layout panels - stack, grid and canvas.
Good \\ u200b \\ u200bråd and it holds also for Silverlight and WPF development. Chapter 10 moves on to consider some specific controls Telephone - App bar, Rank Base and Slider and some general controls button. Chapter 11 takes dependency properties from each other and there is no doubt that if you master the Silverlight development you need to understand dependency properties. Chapter 12 goes on to consider the most common use of dependency properties ie data binding. Next we have some chapters on general graphics. Chapter 13 deals with vector graphics in many ways the most natural form of graphics in Silverlight. Chapter 14 explains bitmap graphics including WriteableBitmap and dynamic graphics. Chapter 15 is on animation - both simple and XAML-based. Chapter 16 goes back to the core Silverlight facilities in the form of templates. Chapter 17 explains the element controller, ie controller that displays collections of items. This is of course where the data binding first becomes complicated.
The fact that they were released late in the development cycle is the most likley reason.
Overall this is an excellent introduction to creating applications for Windows 7 Phone.
For me the best part is where XNA and Silverlight treated side by side.
Later, however, what you have is a good introduction to Silverlight with many examples and explanations.
This is not a re-write of the documentation, but a presentation of how things work.
It reduces the techno-speak in the manual of plain English - what more could you ask for.
Recommended.
NET 3.5 UnleashedJavaScript ProgrammersProgramming for Microsoft ASP.
NET 3.5.
Monday, 4 April 2011
Windows Phone 7 gets to play with Augmented Reality on the Nintendo 3DS
April 4, 2011 | Author: SururShareHere is a fairly new application for Windows 7 Phone handset if you happen to own a Nintendo 3DS.3DS AR card for Windows 7 Phone allows the user to replace AR Cards for Nintendo 3DS with one telephone, which gives a more reliable combination than always making sure you have the envelope with you.3DS AR card for Windows 7 Phone is free on Marketplace.
Via Smartketai.comThanksSmithersfor tip.
About Surur Site Admin and Windows Mobile enthusiast, he has used Windows Mobile devices since before they were called PocketPC'p.
He is currently sports a 7 HTC Trophy.
Blog Twitter FacebookPosted in Apps, News, windows phone 7 | Tags: app, software, video, windows phone 7
Via Smartketai.comThanksSmithersfor tip.
About Surur Site Admin and Windows Mobile enthusiast, he has used Windows Mobile devices since before they were called PocketPC'p.
He is currently sports a 7 HTC Trophy.
Blog Twitter FacebookPosted in Apps, News, windows phone 7 | Tags: app, software, video, windows phone 7
Firefox Mobile Not On The Horizon For Windows Phone 7
Over on OnSoftware blog, they sat down with Jay Sullivan, vice president of products at Mozilla Corporation to talk about the new version of Firefox Mobile.
Market IDC released a forecast on Friday \\ u200b \\ u200bi last week.
The interview took place in step with the release of Firefox Mobile Android recently.
You must forgive me for not writing about it all weekend - I've been sitting here at my computer looking at my screen much like a dog looking at something that confuses it, his head cocked to one side, remove eyes, unsure if this is a good thing or will only result in a trip to the vet to get neutered.
Jay Sullivan answered questions about the importance of Firefox goes mobile, and most importantly (to us) about the possibility of a WP7 version.
First, the simple novelty - 2011 is going to be an amazing year for smartphones.
Sullivan stated that Firefox Mobile is a major focus at the moment as mobile devices become more important and powerful.
The global market will see 49.2% growth with over 450 million of the devices shipping.
However, Windows 7 Phone currently not on the horizon, but it can bring Firefox Home to Microsoft's mobile platform.
Android market will be better than a full third of the industry of 39.5% with the hardware platform specific IOS seize 15.7%.
Jay Sullivan also mentioned other things in the interview as a drawback with a program like Firefox mobile coming: Get add-ons in the browser seems to be a big problem at the moment.
Windows 7 Phone, largely hailed as an also ran, will garner only 5.5% of the market.
You can read all about the additions situation and more feedback on the Firefox Mobile, but if you just want it (only) WP7 details, you have the exact quote below.
But this is where it gets interesting.
OnSoftware blog.
Let me say that again in case you were not paying attention - Windows phone is expected to be the number two mobile operating system in 2015 running at just under 21% of the world's smartphones.
Market IDC released a forecast on Friday \\ u200b \\ u200bi last week.
The interview took place in step with the release of Firefox Mobile Android recently.
You must forgive me for not writing about it all weekend - I've been sitting here at my computer looking at my screen much like a dog looking at something that confuses it, his head cocked to one side, remove eyes, unsure if this is a good thing or will only result in a trip to the vet to get neutered.
Jay Sullivan answered questions about the importance of Firefox goes mobile, and most importantly (to us) about the possibility of a WP7 version.
First, the simple novelty - 2011 is going to be an amazing year for smartphones.
Sullivan stated that Firefox Mobile is a major focus at the moment as mobile devices become more important and powerful.
The global market will see 49.2% growth with over 450 million of the devices shipping.
However, Windows 7 Phone currently not on the horizon, but it can bring Firefox Home to Microsoft's mobile platform.
Android market will be better than a full third of the industry of 39.5% with the hardware platform specific IOS seize 15.7%.
Jay Sullivan also mentioned other things in the interview as a drawback with a program like Firefox mobile coming: Get add-ons in the browser seems to be a big problem at the moment.
Windows 7 Phone, largely hailed as an also ran, will garner only 5.5% of the market.
You can read all about the additions situation and more feedback on the Firefox Mobile, but if you just want it (only) WP7 details, you have the exact quote below.
But this is where it gets interesting.
OnSoftware blog.
Let me say that again in case you were not paying attention - Windows phone is expected to be the number two mobile operating system in 2015 running at just under 21% of the world's smartphones.
HTC preparing Prime and Ignite Windows Phone 7 smartphones
In what is turning into a bit of a HTC leak-o-rama, we have shifted our attention to two upcoming phones - the Prime Minister and Ignite - going along with the pyramid we saw earlier.
And while the leaked cousin running stitch HTC Android platform, these two are different as they highlight the Taiwanese company go back to Windows 7 Phone territory.
There is no shortage of WinPho HTC handsets already on the market, of course, with a full three of the seven phones platform launched last year has come from Taiwan.
However, HTC is not resting on its laurels, it seems, and have another couple lined up for the next few months.
Like the HTC Pyramid, it is China's XDN as dishing the dirty, showcasing the duo with photos and a cursory knowledge of specifications.
Both phones have 3.7in WVGA touch screens with the biggest difference is that the Prime sports a landscape-moving four decks QWERTY keyboard below its slightly more square front end.
Overall, we're certainly not talking high-end risk here, but then again one of the criticism to date of Windows 7 Phone is that there are not enough mid-range WinPho phones available, so kudos to HTC to cover their bases.
And while the leaked cousin running stitch HTC Android platform, these two are different as they highlight the Taiwanese company go back to Windows 7 Phone territory.
There is no shortage of WinPho HTC handsets already on the market, of course, with a full three of the seven phones platform launched last year has come from Taiwan.
However, HTC is not resting on its laurels, it seems, and have another couple lined up for the next few months.
Like the HTC Pyramid, it is China's XDN as dishing the dirty, showcasing the duo with photos and a cursory knowledge of specifications.
Both phones have 3.7in WVGA touch screens with the biggest difference is that the Prime sports a landscape-moving four decks QWERTY keyboard below its slightly more square front end.
Overall, we're certainly not talking high-end risk here, but then again one of the criticism to date of Windows 7 Phone is that there are not enough mid-range WinPho phones available, so kudos to HTC to cover their bases.
AT&T's Price Increase in 2011: Early Upgrades
That is the question I ask after ComScore latest mobile market share data. One of three U.S. smartphone users Android - it was the end of February. It's March, so the numbers are certainly higher, based on the three-month trend. Holy moly. Two months ago, revealed ComScore data for the three months ending in December. For this period, the Android market rose 7.3 points, 7 points during the recent three-month period. Since the end of September, then rose Android market share from 21.4 per cent to 33 per cent. To be clear: This is actually a subscriber share, means the install base for U.S. cellular users, not units sold over three months. Have you noticed that Apple has started to aggressively advertise the iPhone four on TV again? Android's gains are certainly an important reason, it is the launch of the iPhone on Verizon.
However, iPhone share rose by 0.09 percent, the biggest gain among the five manufacturers - it is up 7.5 percent from 6.6 percent.
Samsung leader with 24.8 per cent share.
ComScore surveyed 30,000 U.S.
mobile users to compile the data, and it's a helluva range.
According to comScore, Americans owned 69500000 smartphones by the end of February, up 13 percent from three months earlier.
Just Android and IOS had to share - 7.2 points in total.
By the way, ComScore's numbers basically look good for Verizon iPhone - the best-selling handset in February.
But trying to cut the numbers in several ways, I can not see where they cord to 1 million first sale, which some analysts have speculated - and Apple fan club of blogs and news sites shamlessly reported as fact.
Remember, Apple and Verizon does not say how many units shipped, which is not typical for an iPhone launch of this caliber.
That puts the Research in Motion, which shares fell 4.6 per cent over three months, and Apple in tough spots.
RIM is now in free fall, from a platform perspective.
Android and IOS is where the programs are.
While Apple is the large number of mobile applications, Android gains continuously.
Developers usually go where the money is.
As Windows PCs have shown, provides the platform with the largest number of users the largest economies of scale.
Android is heading in the right direction, while RIM BlackBerry OS is the wrong way.
Apple is consistent, which is a commendable performance, but the numbers must be greater to win the mobile platform wars.
Answer QuestionCan Android be stopped? Should it be? The answer is complex.1.
As the PC market has shown, standardization around a single, dominant platform huge advantage.
Developers can write applications once that most people can use anywhere.
Standardization is also good to support hardware, such as external devices.
Since Apple opened its first store in May 2001, increased Mac's U.S.
market share from about 2 percent to nearly 10 percent in the quarter fourth of 2010 calendar.
Mac OS X was launched in 2001, with a sparse number of apps.
It's lot today, and would be fewer, or none if the developers not doing money.3.
The mobile phone market has long supported multiple platforms in different degrees of dominance.
BlackBerry OS, Palm OS, Symbian and Windows Mobile was successful in varying ways before IOS and Android handset debuted in 2007 and 2008, respectively.
Right now the market is consolidated around the five major mobile operating systems.
Android, BlackBerry OS, Ios, Symbian and Windows phone 7/Mobile.
Windows phone will replace Symbian, which Nokia switches primary operating system.
These five (four in 2013) are changing places, but no location has yet certain.4.
Microsoft Nokia is suddenly a wild card capable of rocking the market.
Android and Windows phone is licensed by third parties - not WebOS, Blackberry, or IOS.
IDC predicts Windows Phone 7/Mobile will be back for Android in the smartphone OS shipments in 2015.
I am sceptical of IDC's forecast, for reasons independent of the market potential (which recently missed predictions and volatile mobile market).
But if Microsoft and Nokia can get phones to market quickly with good programs and services supported by the handset maker's vast manufacturing and distribution network, Windows Phone putting breaks on Android - no matter where either end up in the market share race.
Quite possibly, rather than a few of the other, increased competition for the same handset manufacturers and developers to make way for some or all of the end-to-end competitors to push ahead.5.
Android is the platform fragmentation undermines the appeal.
But fragmentation is broader, with Android 3.x for tablets.
As Nokia has already shown with Symbian, fragmentation reduces end-user experience and create problems for developers and their customers.
Just because Android swallow market share as Pac-Man, does not mean the broader platform will provide the programs people want the most or can use easily enough.6.
Apple's mobile platform is the most exciting option right now, and it will be before more of the competing operating systems - such as Android, BlackBerry and WebOS - ship on tablets and other devices in addition to cellular handsets.
The cloud-connected device era is larger than smartphones.
Apple offers a platform that scales from $ 49 IOS devices to the $ 2499 Mac OS X laptops.7.
Sync is the killer application for the cloud-connected era.
I've been harping on this point this year.
Right now, Google and Microsoft offers a range of cloud and sync services compared to other mobile OS providers.
Apple will provide depth, but not as much width. Google's mobile sync and support services ranging from search to shopping to e-mail to maps on the news and much much more - all tied to a single user identity. Google's Android might cloud the largest factor in the day, even before the end user to install third-party app wrapping up, Android has incredible speed, with sales of 888.8 percent in 2010, according to Gartner. It is not unstoppable, but might as well be. Do you agree? Comments awaiting your answers.
However, iPhone share rose by 0.09 percent, the biggest gain among the five manufacturers - it is up 7.5 percent from 6.6 percent.
Samsung leader with 24.8 per cent share.
ComScore surveyed 30,000 U.S.
mobile users to compile the data, and it's a helluva range.
According to comScore, Americans owned 69500000 smartphones by the end of February, up 13 percent from three months earlier.
Just Android and IOS had to share - 7.2 points in total.
By the way, ComScore's numbers basically look good for Verizon iPhone - the best-selling handset in February.
But trying to cut the numbers in several ways, I can not see where they cord to 1 million first sale, which some analysts have speculated - and Apple fan club of blogs and news sites shamlessly reported as fact.
Remember, Apple and Verizon does not say how many units shipped, which is not typical for an iPhone launch of this caliber.
That puts the Research in Motion, which shares fell 4.6 per cent over three months, and Apple in tough spots.
RIM is now in free fall, from a platform perspective.
Android and IOS is where the programs are.
While Apple is the large number of mobile applications, Android gains continuously.
Developers usually go where the money is.
As Windows PCs have shown, provides the platform with the largest number of users the largest economies of scale.
Android is heading in the right direction, while RIM BlackBerry OS is the wrong way.
Apple is consistent, which is a commendable performance, but the numbers must be greater to win the mobile platform wars.
Answer QuestionCan Android be stopped? Should it be? The answer is complex.1.
As the PC market has shown, standardization around a single, dominant platform huge advantage.
Developers can write applications once that most people can use anywhere.
Standardization is also good to support hardware, such as external devices.
Since Apple opened its first store in May 2001, increased Mac's U.S.
market share from about 2 percent to nearly 10 percent in the quarter fourth of 2010 calendar.
Mac OS X was launched in 2001, with a sparse number of apps.
It's lot today, and would be fewer, or none if the developers not doing money.3.
The mobile phone market has long supported multiple platforms in different degrees of dominance.
BlackBerry OS, Palm OS, Symbian and Windows Mobile was successful in varying ways before IOS and Android handset debuted in 2007 and 2008, respectively.
Right now the market is consolidated around the five major mobile operating systems.
Android, BlackBerry OS, Ios, Symbian and Windows phone 7/Mobile.
Windows phone will replace Symbian, which Nokia switches primary operating system.
These five (four in 2013) are changing places, but no location has yet certain.4.
Microsoft Nokia is suddenly a wild card capable of rocking the market.
Android and Windows phone is licensed by third parties - not WebOS, Blackberry, or IOS.
IDC predicts Windows Phone 7/Mobile will be back for Android in the smartphone OS shipments in 2015.
I am sceptical of IDC's forecast, for reasons independent of the market potential (which recently missed predictions and volatile mobile market).
But if Microsoft and Nokia can get phones to market quickly with good programs and services supported by the handset maker's vast manufacturing and distribution network, Windows Phone putting breaks on Android - no matter where either end up in the market share race.
Quite possibly, rather than a few of the other, increased competition for the same handset manufacturers and developers to make way for some or all of the end-to-end competitors to push ahead.5.
Android is the platform fragmentation undermines the appeal.
But fragmentation is broader, with Android 3.x for tablets.
As Nokia has already shown with Symbian, fragmentation reduces end-user experience and create problems for developers and their customers.
Just because Android swallow market share as Pac-Man, does not mean the broader platform will provide the programs people want the most or can use easily enough.6.
Apple's mobile platform is the most exciting option right now, and it will be before more of the competing operating systems - such as Android, BlackBerry and WebOS - ship on tablets and other devices in addition to cellular handsets.
The cloud-connected device era is larger than smartphones.
Apple offers a platform that scales from $ 49 IOS devices to the $ 2499 Mac OS X laptops.7.
Sync is the killer application for the cloud-connected era.
I've been harping on this point this year.
Right now, Google and Microsoft offers a range of cloud and sync services compared to other mobile OS providers.
Apple will provide depth, but not as much width. Google's mobile sync and support services ranging from search to shopping to e-mail to maps on the news and much much more - all tied to a single user identity. Google's Android might cloud the largest factor in the day, even before the end user to install third-party app wrapping up, Android has incredible speed, with sales of 888.8 percent in 2010, according to Gartner. It is not unstoppable, but might as well be. Do you agree? Comments awaiting your answers.
Zune Marketplace now in India
You can now consider buying a device that runs Windows 7 Phone.
Indian Windows 7 Phone users will be happy to bill that the Zune Marketplace is now available to them, via the downloadable app Zune, but Microsoft has yet to officially announce this. Related Stories HTC brings another Windows 7 Phone Unit to India - HTC 7 Mozart - to Rs. 26,490 HTC launches India's first Windows 7 Phone Device - HTC HD7 Windows 7 Phone NoDo update comes, it brings up paste and more [Update] Microsoft stops development of standalone Zune, concentrating on WP7 Integration While different users have been enjoying varying degrees of success access to the Zune Marketplace for India, it seems to now only programs will be available, no Zune Pass music or video content. Those who already have a U.S. based Live ID, and \\ u200b \\ u200bhar logged in with their Windows 7 Phone device, will encounter some problems with switching it to an India ID - and maybe to hard reset it.
Why? Because Microsoft has finally launched the Zune Marketplace in India, where users can buy applications in INR (Indian Rupees).
Leave a comment.
Microsoft claims that they have 36 000 registered developers and add to 1200 developers every week until Windows 7 Phone portfolio.
As of now users can only download programs, and may not have access to any of the Market Place features the Zune Pass, videos and music that includes 11-1000000 DRM (Digital Rights Management) free MP3 tracks at 320kbps.
So far, users in India who wanted access to the Zune Marketplace to register under the United States and find some alternative mode of payment to download applications.
Although Microsoft has pulled the plug on its Zune music player, Zune Marketplace continues to grow in all Microsoft entities namely, XBOX 360, Windows OS, and Windows 7 Phone devices.
Indian Windows 7 Phone users will be happy to bill that the Zune Marketplace is now available to them, via the downloadable app Zune, but Microsoft has yet to officially announce this. Related Stories HTC brings another Windows 7 Phone Unit to India - HTC 7 Mozart - to Rs. 26,490 HTC launches India's first Windows 7 Phone Device - HTC HD7 Windows 7 Phone NoDo update comes, it brings up paste and more [Update] Microsoft stops development of standalone Zune, concentrating on WP7 Integration While different users have been enjoying varying degrees of success access to the Zune Marketplace for India, it seems to now only programs will be available, no Zune Pass music or video content. Those who already have a U.S. based Live ID, and \\ u200b \\ u200bhar logged in with their Windows 7 Phone device, will encounter some problems with switching it to an India ID - and maybe to hard reset it.
Why? Because Microsoft has finally launched the Zune Marketplace in India, where users can buy applications in INR (Indian Rupees).
Leave a comment.
Microsoft claims that they have 36 000 registered developers and add to 1200 developers every week until Windows 7 Phone portfolio.
As of now users can only download programs, and may not have access to any of the Market Place features the Zune Pass, videos and music that includes 11-1000000 DRM (Digital Rights Management) free MP3 tracks at 320kbps.
So far, users in India who wanted access to the Zune Marketplace to register under the United States and find some alternative mode of payment to download applications.
Although Microsoft has pulled the plug on its Zune music player, Zune Marketplace continues to grow in all Microsoft entities namely, XBOX 360, Windows OS, and Windows 7 Phone devices.
Windows 8 to use Ribbon, Phone 7 design?
AdvertisementMicrosoft is toying with the idea of \u200b\u200ba refreshed user interface for its next major operating system, Windows 8.Pre-beta screenshots of Microsoft's software popped up online, shows one of the operating system's integrated components - Windows Explorer - with a ribbon interface, instead of tried-and- reliable tool bar.
We are still probably at least a year away from the launch of Windows 8, but already we are getting some flow of information about Microsoft's upcoming operating system update.
Band, as previously described by Microsoft as a modern way to help users to find, understand and use commands efficiently and directly with a minimum number of clicks, are currently employed in the company's Office 2010 software suite and features a handful of existing Windows 7 applications - including Paint and WordPad.
Besides a Windows 7 Phone style log-in screen, it looks like much of the interface will rely on the tape controller previously seen in the latest edition of the Office software suite.
Consumer reaction to the re-jigged the menus have been mixed, but Microsoft seems to make the band a de-facto standard in Windows 8 experience.
The shots also reveal a new File menu layout.
The pictures, depicting an early implementation of tabbed Windows Explorer interface, has also hinted to tight integration with other Microsoft services.
It's a long way from completion date (as illustrated by the strange hole in the screen shots), but there is a brief early hint of what to expect anyway.
channel - Press releases:: Windows Intune Available to businesses of any size Sall Microsoft related content on Hexus.
Click below for some pictures of Windows 8.Via: Windows Within.
We are still probably at least a year away from the launch of Windows 8, but already we are getting some flow of information about Microsoft's upcoming operating system update.
Band, as previously described by Microsoft as a modern way to help users to find, understand and use commands efficiently and directly with a minimum number of clicks, are currently employed in the company's Office 2010 software suite and features a handful of existing Windows 7 applications - including Paint and WordPad.
Besides a Windows 7 Phone style log-in screen, it looks like much of the interface will rely on the tape controller previously seen in the latest edition of the Office software suite.
Consumer reaction to the re-jigged the menus have been mixed, but Microsoft seems to make the band a de-facto standard in Windows 8 experience.
The shots also reveal a new File menu layout.
The pictures, depicting an early implementation of tabbed Windows Explorer interface, has also hinted to tight integration with other Microsoft services.
It's a long way from completion date (as illustrated by the strange hole in the screen shots), but there is a brief early hint of what to expect anyway.
channel - Press releases:: Windows Intune Available to businesses of any size Sall Microsoft related content on Hexus.
Click below for some pictures of Windows 8.Via: Windows Within.
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