As promised, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is now distributing Windows Phone 7 application payouts to its mobile software developer partners. CNet reports that multiple WP7 developers confirm receiving payments for premium Windows Phone Marketplace app downloads--for developers who introduced their applications in association with the Windows Phone 7 platform's launch, the payments represent their first compensation in roughly three months.
When Windows Phone 7 launched in October 2010, Microsoft said developers would not see their first payouts until February 2011, but bumped the schedule following a chorus of developer complaints. Moving forward, Microsoft will process payouts on a monthly basis for all combined sales of Windows Phone 6.x and Windows Phone 7 apps, provided developers meet the minimum payout threshold limits.
Among developers contacted by CNet, most expressed positive experiences with Microsoft, praising its WP7 toolset as well as its proactive communication skills--in addition, devs said initial Windows Phone Marketplace sales met their expectations. Developers' most common complaint: The size of the Windows Phone userbase. Last week, Microsoft said it has shipped 2 million Windows Phone 7 devices to its licensee partners, although the company declined to disclose actual sales numbers.
As of the fourth quarter of 2010, Microsoft represents 3.1 percent of worldwide smartphone shipments according to technology analysis firm Canalys--a year ago, the Windows Mobile OS accounted for 7.2 percent of global shipments. Canalys adds that Windows Phone 7 devices appeared too late in the quarter to take full advantage of holiday season purchasing trends.
For more:
- read this CNet article
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