On Monday, Microsoft officially launched Windows Phone 8. The new mobile OS is full of features for business users and consumers, and it also has a few things to offer the mobile development industry. First, Microsoft promises to treat third-party apps as “Live Apps,” which means they will be deeply integrated into digital wallets, social media and other services.
Second, Windows Phone 8’s lock screen will feature a rotating scroll of apps–either favorites or a random rotation. That should help boost downloads and use sessions.
Finally, the platform’s app store doesn’t have as many apps as its competitors. That offers developers a greater chance of being discovered and/or featured.
At the launch event, Microsoft also announced the Windows Phone 8 SDK would become available for download beginning Tuesday.