Silverlight Rumblings

Windows 8 App Factor - Portland (6/7)

kelly@whitepdx.com (Kelly White) — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:40:35 GMT

In two weeks from this Friday on June 7th there is a FREE Windows 8 App Factor Learn event being put on at the Microsoft PacWest Office located in the Pearl District. The attendence is capped, so be sure to register now. I've got a great idea I'm working on for both Windows Phone and Windows 8, so I'm already registered.

You may be asking, what is a Windows 8 App Factor Learn event? Don't tell anyone, but you can think of it as free consulting to help you start/work on/finish your apps and games for the Windows Store. I've recently finished an Windows 8 app for children learning to read and will be there sharing and helping folks with In-App-Purchases and Mobile Azure Services.

This will be a fun day of “training and auditions” where you will learn what you need to know, form a team where you can use your skills and compete to win. If you've just had an idea, already been developing for Windows 8, or have been wondering how easy it is to get in on the new Windows app economy then this is for you. Another way to think about this is a type of "founder dating" for Windows 8 entrepreneurs. your dreams. You can even get free consulting from the local evangelist team (in person or online).

The event runs from 10am-6pm (welcome starts at 9:30am). Food will be provided. Hopefully I'll see you there.

Nokia's Current Offerings for Developers

kelly@whitepdx.com (Kelly White) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:19:30 GMT

Thanks for everyone who listened to me talk at PADNUG last night about Nokia's current offerings for developers building Windows Phone apps. The two programs I talked about were DVLUP and their Premium Developer Program (PDP).

DVLUP is FREE to join. In fact you should all join it right now if you already haven't. There's a 80 second video on the homepage that gives a quick overview of what DVLUP does for you. Go ahead and watch it now, I'll wait.

The other program (PDP) will cost you $99 and includes a lot of tools (see below). But save your money, I have free tokens for the Premium Developer Program to raffle out. In order to be entered in the raffle I need you to email me your DVLUP username. You already signed up after you watched the video, right? I mean, it is FREE to join and I did wait for you. Here's what PDP gives you:

One year of Windows Phone Developer Center membership ($99)
Free license for Telerik RadControls for Windows Phone ($99)
Up to 12 months' worth of access to up to 1 million API calls per month with Buddy.com's cloud APIs ($1200)
Two Nokia Tech Support Tickets ($198)
Marketing In A Box
Remote Device Access

Like I said, I have tokens to raffle out, but what I need is you to email me your DVLUP username. So if you haven't already the please go sign up now. I'll be doing the raffle on Friday, so please get me your information soon.

Also, I want to introduce you to Jan Hannemann. He is out of Vancouver B.C., and is the Nokia Ambassador over our region (Oregon). He's has two promotions going on right now, one is WriteOneGetOne and the other is 620 hours of April. Last night I was explaining the WriteOneGetOne promotion. Here are the rules:

You must not have previously released a Windows Phone app to the Windows Phone Store or Marketplace.
Your app must have been Certified and available in the store AFTER January 1st, 2013.
The app must be a QUALITYapp… What does that mean? It means:
- Must pass Marketplace Certification
- No Hello World or Flashlight apps.
- The app must have a useful function.
All Apps will be assessed by Jan and his decisions regarding validity in this promotion are final.
This is limited to as long as he has the phones to give away, which is right now.

As you can see, this WriteOneGetOne program benefits those of you who have been sitting on the fence wondering when is the right time to get into Windows Phone development. NOW IS THAT TIME!

Please let me know if any of you need help finishing your apps so you can submit to Jan for these contests. Many of you saw me pairing with Scott Hanselman last night as I was helping him with an app he's working on. Know that I am more than happy to do the same for any of you. Just reach out and ask and let me know.

Mobile Hackathon - Portland (4/6)

kelly@whitepdx.com (Kelly White) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 06:05:49 GMT

This upcoming Saturday (April 6th) there is a hackathon being sponsored by Act-On Software in Beaverton, Oregon (map and directions). The hackathon is themed around creating a mashup that uses gamification to drive green behavior in the community. There is a very big emphasis on mobile.

Schedule & Registration

The event starts at 9:30am with Voodoo Doughnuts, and will wrap up around 11:00pm with an awards ceremony. Yes, awards. Bring any existing project you have or start from scratch and build a brand new project that uses gamification to drive green behavior in the community. You have the chance to will $$ for your favorite charity or non-profit, as well as some really cool beer-ware made in Portland, Oregon.

While this event is free, you do need to register in advance in order to help with meal planning and logistics. Please take the time to register now.

Making you successful with Nokia

I'll be there looking to hack with various folks on Windows Phone. Don't have a Windows Phone? No problem, you can borrow one of mine. I'll be there with an extra Nokia Lumia 920 or two that I'll be loaning out. I'll also be there talking about Nokia's current offerings for developers, primarily DVLUP and Nokia's Premium Developer Program, but also other not well known features such as Marketing in a Box, Remote Device Access, and Nokia Ad Exchange.

Free Phones for Dedicated Developers

If you're interested in getting a free Windows Phone, or interested in getting a free token to Nokia's Premium Developer Program then make sure you come find me and let's talk. If you're serious about getting an app built then I can make sure you get hooked up and taken care of, but you've got to be serious (i.e. it's time to be serious about publishing).

Enterprise App Development

I've also been doing some "real" Enterprise App development with Windows Phone. I'm not talking about faking it like we did in Windows Phone 7.5, I'm talking about real enterprise development and management of apps (e.g. think System Center and Intune). I'm happy to talk more about this with any of you, I'll be blogging on that in more details in the future.

Windows Store Apps

And yes, I'll be there with my Surface and HP Slate, so if none of you want to do Windows Phone apps but you've got a great idea for Windows Store, then I'll be happy to help you hack out a solution for that.

Making Money

Let's be clear, I'm interested in publishing apps to stores and making money. That's a big reason why I'm spending so much time in Nokia's programs and offerings. Microsoft helps with the technical end of getting an app built. Nokia helps with the business end.

I'm planning on having a lot of fun on Saturday at this hackathon. Hopefully you are too and I'll see you there. Please ping me after you register and let's start talking about we're going to build. Might as well get started now, eh?

Windows 8 Holiday App Challenge!

kelly@whitepdx.com (Kelly White) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:57:19 GMT

Create and publish your Windows 8 application by January 20^th, 2013. Win a $100 gift card. Get started with your New Year app revolution. It’s easy to do and free!

GET STARTED
Download all the software and resources you need completely FREE!
aka.ms/w8holidayapp
BUILD YOUR APP
We’ll point you to instructive videos, sample code, and more.
aka.ms/mswestgenapp
PUBLISH YOUR APP
Your app will be available to millions at the Windows Store. Submit the details of your published app to claim your $100 gift card prize.
bit.ly/XAoYqp

Official terms and conditions: http://sdrv.ms/YE5PoQ

Windows 8 Unleashed - Portland (12/14)

kelly@whitepdx.com (Kelly White) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 20:00:47 GMT

Windows 8 Unleashed

Register now for Portland Event on 12/14

Full Schedule of other locations

Full Day of Hands On Programming, B.Y.O. Laptop!

Windows 8 is is the single biggest opportunity for developers EVER! Come to a “Windows 8 Unleashed” event to kick-start your Windows 8 Metro Style development. “Windows 8 Unleashed” is a series of FREE events run by your local community friends and leaders, and are great whether you are an experienced .NET developer, or even if you are just getting started. We’ll spend the morning of each Unleashed event in lecture and hands on labs. Half way through, you’ll get a chance to take what you learned in the morning and compete in a hackathon with a chance to win some great prizes!

Required Software and Downloads:

Please make sure to get the required software and downloads BEFORE coming to an event. You can find everything you need on the “Windows 8 Unleashed Installs” page.

Agenda:

Session I – Overview:

Metro Style Apps Overview
Developing Metro Style Apps
Working with Controls
Implementing Navigation

Session II – Location and Data:

Working with Location
Data Binding
Roaming
App Bar

Session I – Metro Principals:

Live Tiles & Toast
Contracts
Full, Fill, Snap and Portrait Views
Advertising

Build an App and Win Money and Prizes!

Our sponsors have stepped up with some awesome prizes. Not only do you get a ton of information for FREE, but you have an opportunity to win some awesome stuff! You can’t afford to miss this! (Full Agenda at the bottom of this page)

“Day of” prizes will be awarded at each Unleashed event (sponsored by PDSA):

1st Place: $500 Gift Card
2nd Place: $200 Gift Card
3rd Place: $100 Gift Card

“Best Overall App” Prizes will be awarded to the best app from ALL unleashed events:

$10,000 from ComponentArt
Windows 8 Tablet from PDSA, Inc.

In addition all attendees will receive a FREE eBook from O’Reilly

Helium - 27" Multi-Touch Monitor / Coupon Code

kelly@whitepdx.com (Kelly White) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 00:32:37 GMT

First things first, this is not an all-in-one, it's a 27" multi-touch monitor designed expressly for Windows 8. It's like a big Samsung Slate, only better. Developers will absolutely love this. I got the chance to use it for a couple weeks while building Windows 8 apps and I love it. After using the Helium I absolutely regret the HP TouchSmart monitors that I've purchased in the past 6 months. Be sure to check out the video at the bottom.

I took the Helium up to a Windows 8 Unleashed event in Seattle on September 28th and there was lots of excitement from developers about this device. One thing I noticed was if I brought up My Computer settings I could see that Windows 8 was recognizing the display and saying it was capable of 64 touch points. Whoa. So then I opened some drawing apps to see if that was true. One app I tried tried was stuttering with 2 touch points, but another was running like a champ with 30 touch points (3 sets of hands). Once I found someone to add another set of hands (40 touch points) then I started seeing some stuttering. Apparently my Samsung Slate from last year's BUILD conference is not as strong as I thought it was. :)

BTW, this works absolutely great for Windows Phone development. I'll be sure to write up another review and screenshots of that experience after I get back from BUILD.

I could honestly see having one of these in the kitchen where my kids are already using a PC for their homework. It's just so much more efficient to use, because sometimes you just really don't want to sit and use the keyboard and mouse.

Photos

Planar Helium - 27" Multi-Touch Monitor	Planar Helium - 15° Incline
Planar Helium - 70° Incline	Planar Helium - lying flat
Planar Helium - Windows 8	Planar Helium - 64 Touch Points

$200 off coupon code

These things have been selling like crazy and are on back-order until December 6th. My friends at Planar are trying to help developers out by providing a special coupon for devs. If you order it now and use the code WHITE - you'll get $200 off.

Surface is here!

kelly@whitepdx.com (Kelly White) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:23:17 GMT

Pre-Order Availability

Even if you're not a MS fanboy, you have to admit there's been lots of excitement around the Microsoft Surface ever since it was first announced in June. As of this morning it is now available for pre-order with delivery by October 26th. Woot!

There's been plenty of speculation about the price point for the Surface and the new cover that doubles as a keyboard. If you ask me, $499 is the sweet spot and the pricing seems about right. Am I offended at paying extra for the cover/keyboard? Not really. Apple has laid the groundwork for getting consumers used to paying more for accessories. Would I love to see it cheaper? Absolutely. Is this a price point that will stop me from purchasing it? Not a chance. Will I opt for the larger hard drive? Why would I when I can throw in a Micro SD card?

FYI, I've already pre-ordered mine (32GB w/ cyan cover).

Screenshot with Pricing Details

What about the Surface Pro?

There's a few questions people have about whether they should get the Surface RT or wait for the Surface Pro (expected Q1 of 2013). I don't have the time to wade through and help you make that decision right now. Luckily there are spec sheets and summaries that can help you make that decision. Most people will be be fine with an RT. Since I won't be using the Surface to replace a laptop or desktop, I don't see the need for a Pro version for myself (at least, not right now).

Marketing

There's going to be lots of advertising around the Surface, and I expect we'll see a Super Bowl commercial or two in February. This first commercial looks pretty sweet. It definitely has an Apple-esque feel to it. I really like where this is heading. Lots of people will continue to be critical and claim Microsoft is doing something wrong and missing an opportunity here. Personally I can't wait to see all the sales records that will be broken. My money is on the Surface being a faster selling device than the Kinect (Bing results on Kinect success). This my friends, is a gamechanger.

Code with the Experts

kelly@whitepdx.com (Kelly White) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 23:39:23 GMT

These are two upcoming events that I'll be attending as a panelist (details below). IMHO, if you're on the fence (or even just getting started) with Windows then you should make an effort to attend one of these events. If you're one of the few (many?) who is a little pessimistic about Windows 8, feel free to wait until after BUILD and the release of the Surface tablets. The event in Portland will be held two weeks after BUILD, which is plenty of time to see if this whole thing is gaining any traction, yet still early enough to jump on the band-wagon without missing it. There's food, swag, and incentives for early publishers of apps. Be sure to register, and feel free to let me know if you'll be there.

UPDATE (10/16/2012): Surface tablets are now availble for pre-order, and will be delivered on Oct. 26th. I've already ordered mine (32GB w/cyan cover) and will have it with me at the Redmond event.

Are you excited to try your hand at building a Windows 8 App?

Join us on October 27^th in Redmond or November 10^th in Portland for Code with the Experts and make your dream a reality! Visit with Windows 8 experts and enjoy great food, awesome conversation, and wonderful prizes!

We want to invite you, your friends, co-workers, and any other developers to this special event. It is the perfect time to get started on your Windows 8 App. Don't worry if you don't yet have an idea for an App - we can brainstorm with you or match you with an idea for a Windows 8 App. Additionally, if you would like to work with someone on a project we will be ready to pair you with other developers. Bring your storyboard, your ideas and your thinking cap!

We'll be providing the food, door and raffle prizes, and most exciting is a special surprise for all developers who are working towards publishing a Windows 8 App. All this AND we'll have the experts to help guide you through some of your challenges and roadblocks.

Bring your laptop loaded with Windows 8 and Visual Studio Express ready to code or use one of our preloaded "Windows 8 To Go" USB sticks. (Limited number available)

All attendees will receive a raffle ticket to win some cool prizes.

For every guest you bring to this Code with the Expert event, you will receive an extra entry to the raffle!

Looking forward to seeing you!

Windows 8 Unleashed - Portland (8/24)

kelly@whitepdx.com (Kelly White) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:05:26 GMT

Windows 8 Unleashed

Register now for Portland Event on 8/24

Full Schedule of other locations

Full Day of Hands On Programming, B.Y.O. Laptop!

Build an App and Win Money and Prizes!

“Day of” prizes will be awarded at each Unleashed event (sponsored by PDSA):

1st Place: $500 Gift Card
2nd Place: $200 Gift Card
3rd Place: $100 Gift Card

“Best Overall App” Prizes will be awarded to the best app from ALL unleashed events:

$10,000 from ComponentArt
Windows 8 Tablet from PDSA, Inc.

In addition all attendees will receive a FREE eBook from O’Reilly

Required Software and Downloads:

Please make sure to get the required software and downloads BEFORE coming to an event. You can find everything you need on the “Windows 8 Unleashed Installs” page.

Agenda:

Session I – Overview:

Metro Style Apps Overview
Developing Metro Style Apps
Working with Controls
Implementing Navigation

Session II – Location and Data:

Working with Location
Data Binding
Roaming
App Bar

Session I – Metro Principals:

Live Tiles & Toast
Contracts
Full, Fill, Snap and Portrait Views
Advertising

Behind the Tiles with Windows Phone

kelly@whitepdx.com (Kelly White) — Tue, 08 May 2012 21:17:01 GMT

I wanted to let you all know about this event series. You'll have a chance to win the highly coveted Nokia Lumia 900 Windows Phone and be one of the first to get an in-depth hands-on trial at our special Behind the Tiles with Windows Phone events premiering at select Best Buy^® locations. I'll be at the ones held in Portland next week.

An Exclusive Event

During this invitation-only engagement, you'll have the opportunity to:

Attend a Nokia Lumia 900 instructor-led demo lab
Learn about the "Metro" style user interface and the future with Windows Phone
Get the latest information on Windows Phone for IT and Developers
Play with some of the latest and greatest Windows Phones
Network with peers and Windows Phone experts
Have a chance to win great prizes
Food and beverages will be provided to help you recharge your battery.

The number of attendees at each event is limited, so don't delay. Register today (registration code: UGM) to join me. I look forward to seeing you there.

To learn more about the Nokia Lumia 900, click here.

BEHIND THE TILES WITH WINDOWS PHONE IS AT THE FOLLOWING BEST BUY LOCATIONS

Charlotte

Best Buy
10221Perimeter PKWY
Charlotte, NC 28216

May 14, 16, 17
6:30P.M.–9:00P.M.
Chicago

Best Buy
Yorkshire Plaza
4400 E New York St
Aurora, IL 60504

April 23, 25, 26
6:30P.M.–9:00P.M.
Dallas

Best Buy
Midway Shopping Center
4255 Lyndon B Johnson FWY/I-635
Farmers Branch, TX 75244

April 30, May 2, 3
6:30P.M.–9:00P.M.
Houston

Best Buy
Galleria Mall
5133 Richmond Ave
Houston, TX 77056

May 7, 9, 10
6:30P.M.–9:00P.M.
Irvine

Best Buy
901 S Coast Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

April 23, 25, 26
6:30P.M.–9:00P.M.
Minneapolis

Best Buy
11600 Leona Dr
Eden Prairie, MN 55344

April 19, 23, 25
6:30P.M.–9:00P.M.
New York

Best Buy
Union Square
52 E 14th St
New York, NY 10003

May 7, 9, 10
6:30P.M.–9:00P.M.
Portland

Best Buy
9739 NE Cascades PKWY
Portland, OR 97220

May 14, 16, 17
6:30P.M.–9:00P.M.
Redmond

Best Buy
19225 Alderwood Mall PKWY
Lynnwood, WA 98036

May 7, 9, 10
6:30P.M.–9:00P.M.
San Diego

Best Buy
5151 Mission Center Rd
San Diego, CA 92108

May 14, 16, 17
6:30P.M.–9:00P.M.
San Francisco

Best Buy
1717 Harrison St
San Francisco, CA 94103

April 30, May 2, 3
6:30P.M.–9:00P.M.
Waltham

Best Buy
550 Arsenal St, Space 2
Watertown, MA 02472

April 30, May 2, 3
6:30P.M.–9:00P.M.