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Microsoft is gradually building up developer anticipation for Windows Phone 7 (WP7), though with rather less finesse than Apple usually manages. Some programmers remain frustrated at the shortage of information, even though Microsoft has confirmed selected partners will get pre-release WP7 handsets from next month.

"Many thousands" of these devices are now being prepared for developers, says the firm, but there is still widespread confusion about the process, and which programmers will be eligible.

"My understanding is the only developers who are eligible for these pre-release devices are those who have published Windows Mobile 6+ applications" in the existing online store, one systems architect and blogger, Kevin Hoffman, told NetworkWorld. Currently, software houses have to make do with pre-beta code and tools running with a PC-based emulator. The emulator is well regarded but prototype phones are essential for fine tuning code.

These handsets will not be "final build quality - they are meant for testing and readiness for the Marketplace opening later this year," according to a blog post by Microsoft's Brandon Watson, who is responsible for the WP7 developer experience team. Full unlocked WP7 devices will be available for purchase by developers immediately after the WP7 official launch in the autumn, when HTC and LG are tipped to deliver the first commercial phones.

Microsoft said in a statement, in response to developer pressure for more details of its WP7 program: "Builds of Windows Phone 7 on prototype hardware have progressed to the point that we will begin sharing test devices with developers in July to further help them create exciting apps and games for Windows Phone 7. Devices will be shared on a limited basis with developers who are engaged in projects with Windows Phone Developer Tools. Eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case through Microsoft's Windows Phone and Developer Evangelist organizations. We'll provide more details about device sharing over the coming weeks." First in the queue are expected to be developers that have already invested time and resource in the Microsoft Silverlight rich media and .Net software platforms, and have started to use WP7 tools on the PC.

In another bid to retain its large mobile developer base and appeal to new partners, the firm is looking to simplify the upgrade cycle for Windows Mobile 6.5, not just to WP7 but - for creators of smaller handsets or non-phone embedded gadgets - to the second new OS, Windows Embedded Handheld OS. This is expected to be relevant for industrial and low end handsets and a wide range of consumer and vertical devices with embedded wireless. Windows Embedded Handheld will be based on the current WinMo 6.5 and retain backwards compatibility, its product manager David Kelley said. Next year, the company will follow up with a new release of the handheld OS. This will be a more radical rework, running on the new Windows Embedded Compact 7 OS, a derivative of Windows 7 and the successor to Windows CE. This promises a richer and immersive user experience and improved security and robustness, but will also have backwards compatibility with WinMo 6.5. The aim is to extend the lifecycle of smartphones, said Kelley.

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