Windows Phone 7 Developer Payments Not Coming Until February Next Year

Tweet

Windows Phone 7 may have 15,000 developers, but they aren’t happy. According to reports hitting the web today, Microsoft is withholding developer monies earned through App Hub sales until February 2011, with no reason given. Also, it’s being reported that Microsoft’s App Hub isn’t providing analytical data to developers – leading some developers to question whether or not they should keep developing for the Microsoft mobile OS.

Developer Nicholas Yu, who created GoVoice – a Google Voice application, aptly enough – claims that he cannot fulfill his users’ #1 request. They want push notifications and Yu says to do that would require a big server investment on his part. Unfortunately, with the allegedly lackluster analytical tools that Microsoft provides, he can’t tell if the investment would be worth.

Developer relations for Microsoft and Windows Phone 7 have been somewhat troubled. While the platform does boast 15,000 developers and 3,000 apps, some in the tech blog echo chamber are shocked that Microsoft is promising “revenue guarentees” to some top developers (“I’m shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!”). Developers are obviously the lifeblood of a mobile OS in the iPhone era (see webOS and its waning developer support) and Microsoft has worked hard to get developers on their side – but can they keep them there with stuff like this?

Developer Justin James, who first spread word about the App Hub money story had this to say to his fellow developers:
“Think of Windows Phone 7 development as a hobby or a learning experience rather than a source of revenue.” Yikes, strong words, and not exactly a compliment for Windows Phone 7. Is the app ecosystem dying on the vine? Tell us what you think in the comments section.