Microsoft rolls out mobile developer tools

New version of Silverlight will target smartphone developers

Microsoft has released developer tools for the new version of its Silverlight platform and its new Windows Phone 7 mobile software platform.

The company told attendees at its Mix10 developer conference that the new version of Silverlight, currently at release candidate stage, would play a key role in its new smartphone operating system.

Microsoft said that Windows Phone 7 will allow developers to craft applications through a combination of Silverlight and its XNA framework for games. By using established platforms for development, Microsoft hopes to jump-start developer uptake of the new phone platform.

"As the browser, server, web and devices evolve, a focus on delivering consistently great user experiences has become paramount,” said Scott Guthrie, corporate vice president of Microsoft's Developer Division.

“By extending our familiar platform technologies and tools to phones, Microsoft is delivering the premier application development experience across a variety of devices and form factors,” he added.

Microsoft also unveiled plans for an online retail service for Windows Phone 7. Much like competing platforms, Microsoft's planned Marketplace service will allow developers to submit their creations, which are then sold through the site.

In addition to one-time payment systems, the company said that the Marketplace service will also allow for mobile operator billing and ad-supported payment systems.