An Interview with WP7 Developer Tyler Power

1)Have you developed Apps for any other platforms before? If Yes What are they?

I’ve developed various .NET apps and libraries – The most relevant is an XBMC Remote control for Windows PC’s. I’ve also coded a few homebrew apps for the Xbox 360.

2)Why did you choose WP7 as a platform of your choice?

The primary motivation for choosing WP7 was that my current skill set with .NET is fully transferable to the WP7 platform with very limited down time to learn a new syntax.

I also think Microsoft has really nailed the user experience and love the path they’ve taken in bringing a new touch paradigm to the mobile platform – Traditionally with iPhone and Android I’ve found the built in controls focus on the user drilling down through sub pages to reach the information they want – While this works fine I think it can be done better and that’s exactly what Microsoft has focused on the Pivot and Panorama controls, they’ve managed to create an interface that get’s out of the users way and let’s them see the information they actually care about.

3)Which one do you think as the single most feature you liked in WP7?

The user interface – It just seems like a perfect fit for a mobile device.

4)Are you satisfied with WP7 Platform development tools?

Everything so far has been a pleasure to use although it has been disappointing to find certain user controls have not been included in the latest developer tools. It’s also a bit of a shame that there isn’t a natural gesture library built in to silverlight (Currently you must include XNA libraries in your project).

5)What are the Apps you are developing now in WP7? Details on the Apps?

I’m currently working XBMC Remote7 – An XBMC (http://xbmc.org/) library browser and remote control for WP7. It will let you browse through all media stored on your HTPC from anywhere in the world. It also features a remote control that allows you to use your WP7 touch screen as a virtual remote.

6)In what way Microsoft can improve their WP7 or What does WP7 lacks from?

Until I get some physical hardware in my hands it’s hard to tell 🙂

7)Future Plans of you?

I’d like to keep extending XBMC Remote7 and include media streaming capabilities. I’ve also got a few other projects lined up but would like to keep them a secret for now 😉

Apart from these questions, Other things you want to share with the community?

If you have any feature suggestions or questions about XBMC Remote7 feel free to email me at: [email protected]

Thanks Tyler for sharing with us. All the best for your Apps at marketplace.