Get a first look at some of the apps that will be available
on Windows Phone 7. We will profile a new
app each day until the October 21st launch.
OpenTable
A bite for two this evening, or dinner for 20
next month? OpenTable on Windows Phone 7 provides a well-designed reservation
experience. Search allows the user to find
restaurants by name or location. The "tonight for 2" view, unique to Windows
Phone 7, gives the user immediate options for quick planning. Restaurant
profile pages provide useful information including price range, restaurant
description, and the ability to favorite a restaurant for easy access later.
With a quick swipe, see reviews from other customers.
The
utilization of GPS allows the app to serve up restaurants in the area, and
provide directions with one click from the restaurant profile page. Once
signed-in, users can view their profile to find upcoming reservation
information, favorite restaurants, and view their Dining Rewards Points,
OpenTable's rewards program.
The XAP behind the
App
The XAP behind the App: OpenTable employed the Microsoft
Location Service to create a location-aware application, identifying the phone's position
for discovery of restaurants in the vicinity. Bing Maps Control was incorporated to provide an enhanced mapping experience, which includes
easy access to turn-by-turn directions from the current location. Go to http://create.msdn.com to learn about building great apps for Windows Phone 7.
Screenshots:
Make a bid on eBay with Windows Phone 7
The eBay Mobile application is designed
specifically for Windows Phone 7. Using a streamlined interface that's as
elegant as it is practical, eBay members can search, bid, and check their
activity on the go. Buyers can sneak in that last-minute bid on a hard-to-find
item, sellers can check on their sales, and act on time-sensitive information
on the spot without a computer.
Exclusive Windows Phone 7 features give you
instant notification on all your auction items. Live Tile integration lets you
know instantly when a new offer is received. Get immediate updates on watched
items - auction ending soon, outbid notifications, and more - with Toast notifications. eBay is
open for business anytime, anywhere on Windows Phone 7.
The XAP behind the
App
eBay Mobile takes full advantage of the unique
application platform features of Windows Phone 7. The app effectively incorporates Smart Design
with its Panorama and Pivot Controls, and delivers instant updates through Live
Tile push notification. Toast notification is also utilized to create an
extension of eBay's auction notifications. With Windows Phone 7 eBay is able to
seamlessly deliver its services beyond the PC while adding value to the user
experience.
To
learn more about Windows Phone 7 app development visit: http://create.msdn.com.
Screenshots:
Shazam Tunes in to Windows Phone 7
Lovin'
that tune? Shazam gives you instant satisfaction when you want to know what
song is playing. Shazam identifies music anywhere: from the radio, TV, film or
in a store, bar or club. Just point your
phone toward the music source to learn more about the artist and buy the song
immediately.
Start
your music journey with Shazam on Windows Phone 7.
The
XAP behind the App
Shazam makes
ample use of the Panorama and Pivot controls which are unique to the Windows
Phone 7 development experience. The App also incorporates the unique Windows
Phone 7 Metro design schema to create a user interface that presents rich
information in an elegant and attractive manner, without being overwhelming.
Microsoft
Expression Blend enabled the Shazam design team to fine-tune the visual
appearance of all custom controls, while developers continued coding in
parallel in Visual Studio 2010.
Microsoft's
Windows Phone 7 XNA audio features have also been incorporated to aid audio
recording, processing and compression. The quality of audio capture and
compression is key to Shazam's world class music recognition process.
To learn more about
Windows Phone 7 development visit: http://create.msdn.com.
Screenshots:
Frogger® leaps on to Windows Phone 7
This is the classic Frogger you know and love!
The game that we grew up with is now available on Windows Phone 7. The goal:
get Frogger across the river. The obstacles: cars, trucks and a rushing river. Keep
fingers moving fast to avoid the tell-tale skull and crossbones.
The classic arcade game becomes even more
interesting by incorporating Xbox LIVE leader boards and achievements which
allows for a little friendly competition amongst friends. Game play uses the
touch screen as you guide Frogger to safety. Don't forget to look both ways
before crossing the street!
The XAP behind the
App
Konami Digital Entertainment was able to easily
bring this classic title to the Windows Phone 7 platform by developing on XNA
Studio. The original, addictive game
play was preserved while the graphics and movement were enhanced to reflect
today's gaming technology. Full integration with Xbox LIVE allowed Konami to incorporate
leaderboards and achievements to the game. Players can see how their score
compares to others, adding a social element to the game without the use of any
specific network code. The game also takes advantage of multi-touch
capabilities of Windows Phone 7 devices allowing the user to quickly navigate
Frogger with smooth finger swipes.
To
learn more about Windows Phone 7 game development visit: http://create.msdn.com.
Screenshots:
Rocket Riot arrives to Windows Phone 7
Strap on your bazooka soldier, and get ready for the new and improved
mobile version of the awesome action-packed side-view shooter Rocket RiotTM. In this highly stylized
eight-bit era style game, it's you against Blockbeard and a wickedly riotous
cast of jet-packed villains. Blockbeard
is an evil, legless pirate, who flies around with a jetpack. He was imprisoned, but escaped and now wants
his revenge!
Full touch screen controls allows you to guide your character through
completely destructible mazes. Swipe the screen on the left to power your
jetpack and on the right to fire your powerful bazooka. Uncover special
power-ups, or even burrow into different areas of the map. The map regenerates,
keeping the action fast-paced, but time doesn't heal all wounds!
The XAP behind the App
Rocket RiotTM
is an XBLA original title that was ported to Windows Phone 7 using XNA Game Studio. It delivers the excitement of the console
version directly to the phone by integrating a try-before-you-buy demo, Xbox
LIVE achievements and leaderboards.
Performance is the name of the game for Rocket
Riot, which implements a real-time particle and physics system in destructible
levels. The game also takes advantage of multi-touch capabilities of Windows
Phone 7 devices allowing the user to move around the map at the same time using
a flick gesture system to fire rockets at enemies. The accelerometer can also
be used to move the character around screen, providing multiple control schemes
for the user. Bring a "console gaming experience" to Windows Phone 7- learn
more about game development at: http://create.msdn.com.
Screenshots:
Star Wars: Battle for Hoth now featured on Windows Phone 7
Star Wars fans: here's your game. 15 levels of
action packed galaxy defending await. Star
Wars: Battle for Hoth incorporates video footage, images, and
original Star Wars music and
sound effects to bring you into the action. Especially exciting for Star
Wars fans, each touch of the menu elicits sounds from one of
your favorite droids.
This game is all about strategy. Use a number of
tools and weapons to protect the Rebel Base through touch screen controls. To
keep things moving the game gives the user the ability to fast-forward through
the action once strategy is arranged. Take command - keep the Rebel Base safe!
The XAP behind the
App
The Windows Phone 7 platform has full
integration with Xbox LIVE, which made it easy for the developer, THQ, Inc., to
add leaderboards and achievements to the game. Players can see how their score
compares to others, adding a social element to the game without the use of any
specific network code.
The screen resolution of 800x480 allowed for the use of high-resolution
sprites, showing the developer's artistic vision for the game at its full
potential. The multi-touch interface means players can zoom in on the play area
in a natural and intuitive way, switching smoothly between a high-level
tactical view and a close-up of the action.
To learn more about Windows Phone 7 game
development visit: http://create.msdn.com.
Screenshots:
Windows Phone 7 welcomes Twin Blades: The Reaping Vanguard
A zombie fighting nun takes center stage in this
frantic shooter game. Angelika travels through multiple environments battling
the un-dead. Twin Blades takes the heroine through a cemetery, a market, and
the outskirts of the city, among other surroundings in this medieval era town.
The game features the ability to upgrade to new
skills and powers through progressive play. Story Mode presents an immersive
storyline, while Survival Mode provides a straight shot in to the action with a
31 day onslaught of zombies. Various zombies respond to various tactics, with
grabbers reacting to the shake of the device. 10 exclusive environments can be
found at different times of day or night. A truly entertaining and fast-paced
game!
The XAP behind the App
Twin Blades incorporates the use of the accelerometer; providing the player with an additional mode of input and increasing
the games interactivity. The application uses a fluid 2D animation system that shows the graphical
power of Windows Phone 7 and Direct3D on which XNA Game Studios is built. Twin
Blades was ported from Xbox LIVE Indie Games and built using XNA Game Studio. Visit http://create.msdn.com to learn more about Windows Phone 7 game development.
Screenshots:
BEJEWELEDTMLIVE Comes to Windows Phone 7
The world's #1 puzzle game is coming to Windows
Phone 7! With Xbox LIVE integration exclusively on Windows Phone 7, BejeweledTMLIVE
takes mobile gem-busting action to a whole new level. Show off your Bejeweled® prowess by earning special Xbox LIVE achievements
and climb up global Xbox LIVE leaderboards.
With modes to match every mood you can soar to gem-matching heights in Classic
mode, race the clock in Action or relax and unwind with Endless play. Unlock 20 new achievements to earn gamerscore
points. And now, with the ability to keep making moves while other gems are
falling into place, it's a whole new Bejeweled®
experience for Windows Phone 7! Fully optimized for the touch screen with both
portrait and landscape display.
The XAP behind the App
BejeweledTM LIVE is the first game that PopCap has built using the XNA studio. More polish was added to BejeweledTM
LIVE, thanks in large part to Microsoft's strong
development tools and the smooth conversion to the C#/XNA environment, making
it one of the best mobile versions of Bejeweled® to date. The
integration of try-before-you-buy demos, Xbox LIVE leaderboards, and Achievements
allowed the developer to bring the engaging experience of Xbox live straight to
the phone. To learn more about Windows Phone 7 game development visit: http://create.msdn.com.
Screenshots
