Developers Still Not Interested in Windows Phone 8

There is no doubt that there is a lot Microsoft needs to do in order to attract more developers. It is still hard to convince developers to develop apps for Windows Phone 8, when the brand has minimal adoption from consumers, and it is still struggling to not only advance but also maintain its share in the market. Lack of a Windows Phone 8 competitive ability is the main reason as to why many developers are turning away, and this can be proven with about 100,000 apps that can be attributed to Windows Phone Market. However, most of these applications are still copycats. 

Building Apps

In a survey conducted by Appcelerator recently on Titanium developer ecosystem, the company notes that there has been a significant decrease in interest of building apps for both Windows Phone and tablets. Statistics indicate that less than 40% of Appcelerator’s mobile developers are interested in windows compared to 90% and 78% that are interested in iPhone and Android respectively.

According to Appcelerator, many users say that the number one reason for lack of adaption of the windows phone and tablets is because of lack of apps, while developers cite lack of engagement from Microsoft.

This report indicates that only 10% of developers have Windows Phone as their first priority, and nearly 18%, which is one out of five, says that it is their fourth priority. The first and second priority is iPhone and android with 37% and 27% respectively. The main reason still remains as the one for Appcelerator --- the number of addressable devices that are present in the market.  

Convincing Developers

However Microsoft still has the belief that the large numbers of its desktop users will convince and sway developers. It views Windows 8 as one platform having several separate arms. There is Windows RT, which is a tablet version that cannot run older versions of windows, and the full Windows operating system, which is a mobile derivative in Windows Phone 8.

Microsoft wants developers to think of all the above platforms when building apps. At the moment when most tablets and laptops have adapted the use of Windows 8, the concerns mobile developers have, are the same concerns other developers across the Windows ecosystem have.

This means that Microsoft have the ability to still bring their desktop developers to the mobile world. The idea should be that rising Windows tide will have a rising impact in all ships. If at all windows 8 can perform in PC and tablet sector, then the same should be seen in the Smartphone sector. This means that if Microsoft can have the capability to make it easy for apps to be developed in all its arms, then there are no doubts that developers will come flocking. 

The Windows Phone 8 Dilemma

In the vast universe of smartphones, Windows Phone 8 stands out, but perhaps not in the way Microsoft had hoped. Despite the tech giant's efforts, the enthusiasm among developers for the platform seems lukewarm at best. Let's chat about what's going on with Windows Phone 8 and why developers might be giving it the cold shoulder.

A Tough Crowd

First off, it's no secret that developers play a massive role in the success of any smartphone platform. They're the ones who create the apps we all know and love, turning our phones into indispensable tools and toys. However, when it comes to Windows Phone 8, these creative minds haven't been rushing in.

One reason might be the sheer dominance of Android and iOS. These two platforms have a strong grip on the market, making it hard for Windows Phone 8 to find its footing. Developers often go where the users are, and right now, that's not Windows Phone 8.

The App Gap

Another issue is the app gap. Windows Phone 8 has struggled to attract the same quantity and quality of apps that Android and iOS boast. This chicken-and-egg problem is tricky; users don't want to switch to a platform without great apps, and developers don't want to build apps for a platform without a large user base. It's a cycle that's tough to break.

User Experience

Windows Phone 8 is known for its unique and clean interface, something quite different from its competitors. While some praise its look and feel, others find it less intuitive. This divide extends to developers as well.

The platform's distinct style means that developers can't just port their Android or iOS apps over; they need to redesign them to fit into the Windows Phone environment. This extra work, combined with a smaller potential user base, might not seem worth the effort.

The Microsoft Support Question

Microsoft has poured resources into making Windows Phone 8 a contender, but the question of long-term support lingers. In the tech world, where things change at lightning speed, developers need confidence that their efforts will have lasting value. If there's any uncertainty about Microsoft's commitment to Windows Phone 8, developers might be hesitant to invest their time and energy.

Looking Ahead

Despite these challenges, it's not all doom and gloom for Windows Phone 8. Microsoft has shown it's willing to innovate and push boundaries. The platform has its loyal fans who appreciate what it offers: a different choice in a sea of sameness.

For Windows Phone 8 to truly thrive, it needs more than just a committed parent company; it needs a vibrant community of developers excited to build for it. Encouraging this enthusiasm is no small task, but it's not impossible. Offering incentives, improving development tools, and actively promoting the platform could make a difference.

Strategy

So far Microsoft has made a step in enticing developers through establishing an integrated developer strategy, which provides developers with tools and services. In some instances, it pays developers to develop for its operating system. We can make a conclusion that despite the fact that Windows phone is growing, it is marginal, and as long as the market share remains flat, it will be bad for developers to build apps for the operating system.

In the end, the fate of Windows Phone 8 rests in the hands of both Microsoft and the developers. It's a complex dance of supply and demand, innovation and market realities. For now, developers might be playing hard to get, but with the right moves, Windows Phone 8 could still turn the tide. The tech landscape is always full of surprises, after all.

This is also in line with Appcelerator and Forrester's conclusion stating that there is a weak demand among app builders to build for Microsoft, indication that developers respond more to market realities and not marketing hype.