Windows Phone on DVLUP

One XAML for UWP, Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1

Wed, 27 May 2015 00:00:00 +0000

I was recently involved in a conversation on how to have the easiest way to maintain a XAML view across a UWP (Universal Windows Project) a Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1 projects. There are a few options and the most straight forward way to do it with a UserControl residing in a Portable Class Library. However…

What if you wanted to have **tailored code for each **without littering your code with #ifdef but still share a XAML view? The XAML View might be what you’re looking for. This is a tutorial on how to do just that. An example project is available for download at the end of the article. Let’s get started:

Read-only Address Bar for Webview

Sun, 26 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

If you are having a Windows Store application fail certification or being unpublished because you have violated Policy 2.1.2 - requires a visible address bar that displays a secure connection to users when they enter financial information or complete a transaction (see policy definitions ).

The reason for this rule is because you are bringing the user to a site that is using HTTPS and the user may be entering in secure information. You need to give the user confidence that you are not spoofing the website and stealing the entered information.

Invalid XAML error updating from WP7

Mon, 04 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

We are now seeing the beginning of the fast decline of Windows Phone 7 as it exits the market over the next several months, many of you will need to act to update your app to at least Windows Phone 8. I did this for all of my WP7 apps and there was one error that was In just about every upgrade:

An error on this XAML namespace declaration:

xmlns:controls="clr-namespace:Microsoft.Phone.Controls;assembly=Microsoft.Phone.Controls"

```Previous to Windows Phone 8, the Pivot and Panorama controls were part of a toolkit. The Windows Phone team did a solid by included these in the OS, they also added new controls like the LongListSelector to replace the toolkit's ListPicker . These controls are now found in the Phone namespace.

It's a very frustrating problem if you're seeing it for the first time. Don't worry, there is a really easy fix... Delete the xmlns:controls line and use only the xmlns:phone one or edit it and remove the ".Contols" part of the assembly pointer. Here is what it will look like after doing the edit option:

xmlns:controls=“clr-namespace:Microsoft.Phone.Controls;assembly=Microsoft.Phone”

Attend Publish Boston & Win Big

Fri, 18 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Since the prizes are really awesome for this event (May 17th), I’m going to start off with them. We will be rewarding the best student, best individual, and best company in each of the categories below:

Top Windows 8.1 app
- Trip to the 2014 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin, TX.
- 9 runner-up Nokia Lumia 1520 prizes
Top Windows Phone app
- $10,000 to build your own “Dev Cave”
- 9 Runner-up Nokia Lumia 1520 prizes
Top Cross Platform app
- MakerBot 3D printer
- 9 Runner-up Nokia Lumia 1520 prizes
Breakthrough in App Innovation and Design
- MakerBot 3D printer
- 9 Runner-up Nokia Lumia 1520 prizes

But wait, there’s more! I will be giving away these prizes at the end of the day…

Build 2014 Videos

Sun, 06 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

This year’s Microsoft Build conference was jam packed with Windows Phone goodness. In fact, there is too much to take in at once. So what I’ve done for you is break it down into sections so that you can bookmark this page and come back at your leisure.

These videos are in no particular order, so review them all before you choose, enjoy!

Windows Phone Development

Windows and Windows Phone Design related

Monetizing App Studio with Ads

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

So, you’d like to put some ads in your awesome App Studio app? No problem! I thought I would write a post to show just how easy it can be. Follow these easy steps and you’ll start earning money from ads…

Ad provider

The ad provider is the service the AdControl in your app gets the ad to display and also where you earn the revenue. As of Windows Phone 8 there is a PubCenter AdControl built into the framework, all you need to do is get an ApplicationId and an AdUnitId. You get that information from Windows Phone DevCenter , find out how to get your ApplicationId and AdUnitId in this great blog post .

Make An App Dev Happy Day

Fri, 07 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

The Windows Phone developer community is amazing in and of itself, but what happens when you add something like #makeAnAppDevHappyDay ? You get pure awesomeness. What is #makeAnAppDevHappyDay? Nokia DVLUP added fuel to an idea started by Dan Colasanti for developers to help them get the word out about their apps and generate app reviews.

Post your app’s name and link to the store on twitter with the #makeAnAppDevHappyDay, other devs will download your app and leave a review. you do the same for them (It’s also a great way for you to find new apps). Here is an example:

Get It In The Store

Tue, 21 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

UPDATE: This event is sold-out! If you were not able to register in time and need help getting your app published, send me an email and I’ll help you directly.

WPDev Day

Me and several other experts will be spending 6 hours with you on Saturday February 1st, 2014 to help you over come any obstacles that is preventing you from publishing an app. If you do not have any apps in the works, then come and build an App Studio app with our help. Click the Eventbrite button above to get your ticket.

Everything Must Go!

Sun, 15 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

UPDATE The winners have been picked, congratulations to all (I emailed you directly if you were a winner)! If you did not win, keep your app up to date (update at least once every 60 days) and you’ll always be eligible for my giveaways.

I’m raffling off all my remaining gadgets and swag in two weeks (deadline is Dec 31st)! The only 2 conditions to enter are that you are in my region (see below) and that you published or updated an app in the last 6 months (since June 31st).

WpDev Success Kit

Sun, 08 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Now that you’re published, get this kit from my friends at Microsoft…

Get your app noticed with your personalized Windows Developer Success Kit. With customized promo materials specifically for your app, plus a little fun thrown in, we want to help you reap the rewards of your hard work.

Your Windows Developer Success Kit contains:

100 customized business cards with app tile & down…load directions for you to hand out
100 customized stickers with app tile to give away Promotion on MSDN East’s Facebook page facebook.com/msdneast
A $5.00 USD Starbucks card to keep you awake while you work on your next great app
1600 Xbox Live points for a gaming break between coding sessions

How to get your kit: Email: msdneast@Microsoft.com Include: Your name, your app name and deep link, your physical mailing address, and the workshop/city you attended if any.

Nokia DVLUP Day

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Registration has ended!

UPDATE Registration is closed, the hard deadline for stragglers was 12:00 PM 11-16-2013. Thank you for making this one of the highest registered events I’ve ever held at 90% of max building capacity!

IMPORTANT: Make sure you are present at the welcome presentation at 10 AM on the 4th floor. You will learn the answer to a secret question that proves you attended.

Event Description

Learn to make amazing Windows Phone apps at Boston Nokia DVLUP Day and win big prizes just for participating. Nokia Ambassadors, Lance McCarthy and Nick Landry, will provide hands-on Windows Phone development training. Whether you’re a seasoned dev or don’t know a line of code, you will walk away with the ability to write an app.

Get Prototyping

Mon, 23 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000

UPDATE

This offer ends midnight, Sunday, October 20th, 2013. If you have been stalling, now is the time to get it finished up.

Here’s my current offer for all you devs who are sitting on the fence about creating a Windows Phone app:

I will give you a Nokia Premium Developer Program token ($1500 value) if you email me your working prototype for Windows Phone.

I’ll then help you finish the app by providing guidance, resources or whatever you need to get it ready for the store. You can use any number of resources to build this prototype:

Doesn't Get Any Easier Than This

Tue, 06 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Microsoft has just launched a new Windows Phone app builder website, Windows Phone App Studio . You can now build a great looking app in no time and earn a free phone from me in the process. You don’t need to be a great programmer, but if you are… you get the source code for the app when you’re done with the template! No other app builder does that for you.

Giveaway Time!

Sat, 27 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[UPDATE] Winners announced!

Congratulations to the following developers:

Jerrell Blankenship: JBL Powerup
Marcus Vaal: Wenger Computer Backpack
Anthony Russell: Wenger Computer Backpack
Gary Ritter Jr.: Nokia Wireless Charging Plate
Austin Andrews: Nokia Purity In-Ear Headphones

I will reach out via email to get your shipping info and color preference (if applicable).

Giveaway Details

Yep, it’s time again and it’s a good one! The picture shows what I am giving away on July 31st, 2013, here is the exact list:

Redeeming a Nokia Premium Developer Program token

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000

There have been many questions recently about how to properly redeem your shiny new Nokia Premium Developer Program. What better way than to record a video for you? Without further ado, here is how to redeem the token, as well as how to get at the Telerik goodness in the center.

After doing this, you’ll know how to get the Microsoft DevCenter token as well as the Buddy.com token because it is the same process to retrieve the individual tokens.

Make an Awesome Video for Your App

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Nokia has gone to great lengths to make it easy for developers to create promotional materials for their Windows Phone apps. This quick video shows you how to do it.

Steps to make your own

Got to the Marketing Toolkit main page (you’ll need to be signed in)
Select the checkbox under “Promotional Video”
Paste in the Store URL to your app
Select the platform of your choice (I chose Lumia 920)
Select a language
Click “Continue”

On the next page:

Nokia Lumia 822 and Lumia 800 giveaway [winner!]

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

[UPDATE] We have a winner!

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to get their first app in the Windows Phone Store! Keep it up, as I have many more contests coming up. Update your app entry with a new feature, or optimize it’s layout, to get the app ready for my next contest ;)

Now, without further ado, the winner of the June giveaway… drum roll… Richard Huang of Boston, MA. Here is a link to his Windows Phone app entry for the drawing. To everyone else who didn’t enter, if you’re a developer who fits the qualifications below, email me to get a head start on my next giveaway.

Hackathon Winners

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

I will be writing a more in-depth blog post (with videos and event pictures) on the Telerik website when all the media is done being edited. For now, I wanted to quickly get a post up to show the winners of The Boston Hackathon . There were over 40 apps created, submitted and presented! Every developer who went through my grueling training schedule on day one, built their app, got it in by 3:30PM on day two and had the courage to present to the audience, earned a Nokia Premium Developer Program token ($1,500 value)! They will all be able to publish their apps to the Windows Phone Store.

26.2 Smiles

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

The Boston Marathon gives you 26.2 miles, but the The Boston Hackathon can give you 26.2 smiles!

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I am throwing a huge bash of a hackathon during the weekend of the marathon (april 13th - 14th). Awesome prizes awarded for your guts, and recognition for your glory. Just showing up proves your level of awesomeness, so you’ll get $1,500 worth of goodies just for building an app

Here’s a snapshot of the prizes:

Rewarding Quality

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Offer ends Feb 11th, 2013 5:00 PM PST

So you’ve published an app and you’ve worked hard to keep its rating at 4+ stars. You’ve had at least 50 ratings, proving that it’s not a fluke. Now what? Let me bring you into the fold of the elite.

You and your app will get:

Windows Phone Store Placement
App Highlights Placement (Nokia’s app that is preinstalled on all new Nokia Lumias)
NAX Credits for you to advertise your app in other apps

So if you meet the conditions (has minimum 50 ratings, is currently 4 stars or higher, and you’re DVLUP member or eligible to be) send me an email ext-lance.mccarthy@nokia.com

An Offer You Can't Refuse

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

One of my responsibilities as a Nokia Developer Ambassador is to help developers get started. I thought to myself, what better way to welcome new developers than give them a new phone and a DevCenter Token ($99 value) or a Nokia Premium Developer Program token ($1,500 value) for building your first Windows Phone app. I will knight you into the brotherhood of Windows Phone developers by giving you one of those sweet prizes and I made it as simple as possible to get one. If you are in my Ambassador area of coverage (see the bottom of the post for regions) send me an email to get started. Here are the three easy-breezy categories:

Developer Summit Awesomeness

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

I just returned from the 2013 AT&T Developer Summit in Las Vegas, and boy can I say it was a good one! Approximately 50% of mobile apps submitted to the hackathon were Windows Phone apps and the #1 winner of it all was a… you guessed it, a Windows Phone app! The winner, Ruggero Scorcioni, took home a $30,000 prize for creating an app that uses brainwave readings to determine whether or not it is a good time to make or accept a phone call. We also had other winners who created awesome Windows Phone apps. I’ll write a future post on a list of the winners, for now, lets see some pictures.

From The Ground Up

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

This post is to get you started on Windows Phone Development “from the ground up” and is targeted towards people who have no prior experience with the Windows Phone SDK. At any time you can refer to my resources page for additional links to WPDev assets, tutorials and example code.

Ok, let’s begin.

The first thing you should know is that is does not cost a penny to develop for Windows Phone! The SDK and the tools are free. The only time you will need to pay is when you sign up for your Microsoft DevCenter account. The DevCenter is your portal to the Windows Phone Store. It is where you will submit, update and track your apps. I can help mitigate those costs for you. If you are an Android or iOS Developer and are porting an app, or a true “from the ground up” developer, I will pay for your first year’s DevCenter fee. Contact me for details.

Denied?

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

So, you got an email from DVLUP stating that your challenge submission was denied. Why were you denied? What did you miss? I wanted to write this post to share the top reasons for denial and how to fix it… 90% of these are due to the fact you didn’t edit your WMAppManifest file.

Here are the top offenders:

Not all Live Tiles Sizes
No animated Tiles
Not all WP8 resolutions

#1- You need to have all three tile sizes enabled for your app. Here is a list of the tile sizes from the MSDN Documentation . To rectify this problem, simply toggle the “Support for large Tiles” property in your WMAppManifest file. See the image in answer #2 for more details.

How Rad is your app?

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I have another giveaway and challenge for my developers today. In addition to being a Nokia Developer Ambassador, I work full time as a XAML Support Specialist at Telerik, yep the awesome RadControls people. So, I’d like to ask you, “How Rad is your app?”

I don’t want this post to sound like an ad, but rather a testimonial. That’s why I make it a point to say that I used the RadControls long before I became an employee, their components are a powerful, indispensable part of my development toolbox. The RadControls make your app look like you had a whole team of designers. I just released an app powered by the RadControls, “Conferenced In”. Get it here so you can follow along with this post as I make a simple comparison.

Comatose Cursor

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

You’re sitting in front of your PC, steaming cup of next to you and your fingers are posed over the keyboard ready to strike. Visual Studio is full screen and Expression Blend is waiting to assist in the background, but your cursor is blinking steadily in the same place it was 15 minutes ago. You’re blank, the ideas aren’t flowing, the classes of objects haven’t materialized yet.