For Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and its Windows Phone 8 operating system, the third time may, in fact, be the charm.
The company last week announced a major update to its mobile OS, which is designed to show off apps on larger smartphones with brighter screens, such as those Nokia (NYSE:NOK) is expected to launch later this year. Microsoft also announced a developer program to encourage more app creators to make new titles for its platform.
Initial response from developers on Twitter was generally positive, though of course there were a few that felt the update was long overdue.
Nice to see Microsoft officially rolling out features I had to CFW my 710 for. http://t.co/9wSlMTsUCx
— Richard Raybould (@RichardR) October 14, 2013
A few developers seemed hopeful Windows Phone 8 Version 3 could mean good things for their apps.
Bigger screens and tiles could spell success for #Windows phones? :) http://t.co/EOE44hjwOO
— skobbler (world) (@skobbler) October 14, 2013
Some of the major features added included Driving mode, which works with Bluetooth to create a mode designed to limit notifications on the lock screen while you're driving, custom notification sounds and improvements on existing features like the app switcher.
Driving mode is a really nice feature! http://t.co/8M44KdBC8u
— Catherine Sauzède (@Cattatatow) October 16, 2013
Windows Phone 8 Version 3 obviously creates some opportunities for consumer app developers, but some wondered about the enterprise.
More tiles, bigger screens and over 300k W app developers. Where are the W8 business app's? http://t.co/rnSfr6zCuO
— Mike Peters (@MikePeters1) October 14, 2013
Then, finally, were the devs who dreamed even bigger.
I'm holding out for windows 8 xtreme turbo. "Windows 8.1 down to 7", and Windows Phone 8 Update 3 up to 6" displays." http://t.co/Fdgm3K8SIF
— Kevin Chang (@teenwolfblitzer) October 14, 2013