October 29, 2010

Updated Version of Windows Phone 7 Application Certification Requirements

Todd Brix

Today we published an updated version of the Windows Phone 7 Application Certification Requirements. As always you can find them on the AppHub (http://create.msdn.com). Here’s a direct link to the PDF file. The WP7 App Certification Requirements lay out all the policies developers are required to follow in their WP7 apps & games.

It is our ambition to make the certification process as clear, transparent, and efficient as possible for developers. We are always closely monitoring end-user feedback and listening to the developer community and these changes are a direct result of what we’ve heard.

Below is a summary of the changes in this version (published October 2010, version 1.4):

4.1.1. List of Package Requirements	Changed the maximum size from 400 to 225 MB. Step b. Added a clarification that the application title displayed on the phone must be the same as the title entered in Step 2 of the submission process to Windows Phone Marketplace. Step e. Changed start experience to app list. Removed the statement “The application is optional for games.” Added a requirement that games must use the application tile image in place of the application icon. Step f. Added a column in the table about where the application icon and tile image shows up on the phone. And added screenshots of the start experience and app list.
4.3. Phone Capabilities Detection.	Added information about the Windows Phone Capability Detection Tool.
4.5. Windows Phone Marketplace Iconography	Changed the icon descriptions in the table to match the UI in Step 3 of the application submission process. Added a column to the table describing where artwork is used.
4.6. Application Screenshot	Revised this requirement to describe that screenshots must not include any emulator chrome.
5.2.5. Memory Consumption	Revised the first paragraph and added a note about DeviceExtendedProperties and ApplicationMemoryUsage.
5.2.6. Trial Applications.	The trial APIs behave differently for apps/games downloaded from the marketplace than when installed on a developer registered phone. Added a new requirement to not call these APIs in a tight loop.
6.3. Applications Running under a Locked Screen	Updated section with a description of the advantages and challenges of running an application under a locked screen. Separated guidance for audio and/or video applications, and all other applications. Added requirements for minimum battery life and idle behavior while the application is running under a locked screen. Removed the requirement 6.3.1 Configurable Functionality (you no longer have to ask users to opt in to allowing the app to run under lock as long as you meet the battery life requirements above).
6.4.1. Music + Videos Hub Application	Updated text to ‘video and/or music media playback’.
6.4.2. Music + Videos Hub Application	Revised this requirement to add a second implementation option.
6.4.6. Music + Videos Hub Application	Added a section to the requirement that states that hub tiles should not contain album art unless the album plays when the hub tile is pressed.
6.5. Applications that Play Media	Updated the first paragraph to better describe the kinds of applications or games that must meet this requirement.
6.7. Photo Sharing Applications	This is a new requirement

Applications currently in the marketplace affected by these changes will be required to adhere to these changes next time they are submitted as an update.

Go grab the doc, read it, and please continue to provide us feedback.

-Todd