Microsoft is offering to help published webOS developers create applications for its Windows Phone platform. The response has been very positive so far, according to Windows Phone 7 director Brandon Watson. Here’s how Microsoft began poaching: on August 19th, Watson tweeted: “To any published webOS devs: We’ll give you what you need to be successful on #Windows Phone, including free phones, dev tools and training, etc.” The next day Watson said he received more than 500 emails, and that he had to “rethink the algorithm” for responding to all of the developers. Watson explained that HP “abandoned the platform,” and that developers’ lives are now impacted as a result. “We offer an alternative,” Watson tweeted. “webOS guys had a bit of a rough week … so we’re looking out for them.” Published webOS devs who are interested in getting on board with Microsoft can email ThePhone@Microsoft.com to get started. Read on for Watson’s letter to webOS developers.
First things first. Thank you so much for reaching out to the Windows Phone team to signal your interest in bringing your talents to our platform. To be honest, we didn’t expect this level of response, so we were caught a bit flatfooted. It took a few days (on the weekend) to pull all the mails together into one place to allow me to respond in a smart way and not retype every mail by hand. Consider this a first step in building a relationship with the Windows Phone team. We are psyched to have you aboard and to see what your imagination can do on the Windows Phone canvas.
[Via WPCentral]
