Despite boasting a thriving app market, Microsoft isn’t content with remaining in Apple’s shadow as an “after thought” for developers.
Instead of spending more marketing dollars wooing developers, Microsoft is now attempting to reduce the friction for iOS developers thinking about experimenting with Windows Phone 7.
Launched today, the iPhone/iOS to Windows Phone 7 API mapping tool helps developers find their way around when they discover the Windows Phone platform. […]
With this tool, iPhone developers can grab their apps, pick out the iOS API calls, and quickly look up the equivalent classes, methods and notification events in WP7. A developer can search a given iOS API call and find the equivalent WP7 along with C# sample codes and API documentations for both platforms. (Windows Phone Developer Blog)
Honestly this is a smart move by Microsoft, who needs high quality apps built upon their platform in order to attract the attention of consumers (who thanks to Apple’s marketing are more interested in apps than tech specs).
Although this tool is great for some iOS apps, developers looking to recreate iOS apps upon Windows Phone 7 would be wise to study Microsoft’s mobile OS (or hire an expert who is fluent in WP7).
Surprisingly Microsoft isn’t offering something similar for Android, webOS or even Blackberry developers, although that could change in the future if their API matching tool proves to be successful.
Originally posted on April 30, 2011 @ 1:02 pm