Juicy speculation about Windows Phone apps.
Applications that run on Microsoft's upcoming Windows 7 Phone platform, will have to be based on Silverlight. It says unnamed sources to the site ChannelWeb.
This means in the event that today's Windows Mobile applications can not be used directly, but must be built on by developers.
Silverlight applications are largely based on Microsoft. NET technology and can be developed in the same tools. NET developers usually know and love. This includes Microsoft's Visual Studio and Expression products. 
Microsoft has long promised Silverlight support for mobile, but has so far not been able to deliver this. But it now seems reasonably clear that the Windows Phone 7 OS will have built-in Silverlight. An official confirmation of this comes first under Microsoft's MIX conference in mid-March.
Declining market share for Windows mobile has meant that Microsoft has had to consider completely new. This is true both in the user interface and now probably also in the way applications can be developed on.
Microsoft has now made a comprehensive renewal of the user interface with Windows 7 Phone OS, and the reactions have generally been positive. If this still is enough to win back market share from platforms like iPhone and Android, will first appear when the sale of Windows 7 Phone Series mobile starts, probably in the fourth quarter of this year. By that time has probably both iPhone OS and Android come in completely new versions.
For Microsoft to succeed in to stand in this market, the range of applications offered to users grow rapidly. Poor translation of the descriptive texts also helps to give it an impression of both inadequate commitment and support.
The basing mobile applications for Silverlight can be a smart move, but Microsoft should also offer pleasant framework, so that small and large suppliers would like to offer its applications through its marketplace. The diversity of applications to the iPhone is due in part to Apple - despite an unusual restrictions - has managed to attract not only established the application developers, but also amateurs with a good idea. It to achieve such enthusiasm is not easy. Google Android Market is an example of this may require time and effort.
