By Richard Garside My first real look at Windows 8 and developing for Windows 8 was at a roadshow in Manchester back in April 2012. It was a bit of a whirlwind tour but I was impressed. Windows 8 looked slick and as a seasoned .NET developer I was excited to have a new platform to program on that...

Devs, IT Pros, Architects, Marketeers, Salespeople, Business-oriented people – they are all rapidly becoming part of the pop-up lab phenomenon. Until now it was very difficult for private individuals with an interest (whether casual or professional) in large-scale IT, to build large IT labs – the capital...

This week we caught up with Ashley Gullen the creator of games development tool Construct 2. About Ashley: Ashley has been working on game creation tools since 2007. A graduate of Music & Sound Recording, Ashley is now Director of Scirra Ltd, developing the HTML5 game creation tool Construct 2 and...

In the classic 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy has just arrived and is looking around awed at the splendour. She says to her dog “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas any more”. Well some of you seasoned Microsoft developers are going to feel exactly the same way when you get to the gates of...

Fill out my Wufoo form! View the results here

The JavaScript version of the Hilo photo sample provides guidance to JavaScript developers who want to create a Windows 8 app using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, the Windows Runtime, and modern development patterns. Here's what you'll learn: How to use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and the Windows Runtime to create...

We are delighted to announce the new MCSD designed for developers! The new MCSD credential focuses on the ability to design and build application solutions, which may include integrating multiple technologies and may span multiple versions of a single technology. It also demonstrates a candidate's commitment...

What is AppSwitch? If somebody switches from an iPhone to a Windows Phone and can’t find their favourite apps, it won’t be long before they get fed up and switch back. AppSwitch is an app designed to help users find Windows Phone and Windows 8 app equivalents to Apple iOS and Google Android apps. The...

Windows Store App Labs are places where app builders can get technical help from Windows experts, and very soon will be able to access the newest Windows 8 devices and receive design guidance from designers and digital agencies. Get technical guidance from Windows 8 experts Our Windows experts are on...

Here is some guidance on what to make sure you have covered off on your app before submitting it: · Make sure you have included the right privacy requirement ( Certification Requirement 4.1 ) · Check you have the appropriate Age Rating · Run the Windows App Certification Kit before app submission · Familiarise...

Windows Store App Labs are places where app builders can get technical help from Windows experts, and very soon will be able to access the newest Windows 8 devices and receive design guidance from designers and digital agencies. Get technical guidance from Windows 8 experts Our Windows experts are on...

We have received a significant amount of interest with the Windows 8 Elite programme and we wanted to provide a brief update on how you can get invited. The process is very simple and we want to ensure that we can invite as many UK app publishers as possible, so we are opening to all publishers who have...

We’re very excited to announce the last significant milestone in the rollout of the Windows Store before the general availability of Windows 8 on October 26. The Store is now open for app submissions from all developers – individuals and companies – in our supported markets – and the UK is one of those...

<a href="https://saraallison.wufoo.com/forms/z7p9k5/">Fill out my Wufoo form!</a> View the Results

A dev4good event in collaboration with TheGivingLab.org and Givey.co.uk this year to bring together talented thinkers, designers and coders from around the UK to work on some real-world issues faced by UK charities. The technology theme for the event is Windows 8 , but no prior knowledge of Windows 8...

Have you heard about our new Windows 8 Launch Publisher Programme which is open to those who publish their Windows 8 app to the Store before 26 October 2012 (Windows 8 GA). The programme will give members access to a range of exclusive benefits including an invite to our launch party, selected training...

If you have an app almost ready to publish, you are invited to the Windows 8 App Excellence Lab. This two hour one-to-one session with a trained Microsoft Engineer will accelerate your time to completion. The App Excellence Lab is an incredibly valuable resource for you to: § Test your app on...

Tim Leung is a software developer based in the UK. For the past 12 years, he has specialised in enterprise application development using products from the Microsoft technology stack. In particular, he possesses deep knowledge of the Microsoft .NET Framework and SQL Server. He's an active member of the...

By Rajen Kasha, Premier Field Engineer, Microsoft As a Premier Field Engineer I have been delivering the Windows 8 App Excellence Labs (AEL) over the past couple of months. For those of you who don’t know, an App Excellence Lab is a 2-hour engagement with a Premier Field Engineer (PFE) that is used to...

In the past couple of months, we have had the opportunity to meet hundreds of UK developers who are passionate and excited about the opportunities with Windows 8. Now, we would like to share how you can get early access into the Windows Store for your Windows 8 app via the Windows 8 App Excellence Labs...

Based near Edinburgh? Want to find out how to build great Windows Phone apps? Make sure you sign up for the Windows Phone camp on Saturday 30th June. You can work on your own projects with assistance from our Windows Phone MVPs, network with others and attend short tutorial sessions on Windows Phone...

Join the Windows Phone UK Developer Reward Programme Today! It’s simple. Every successful and original app published in the marketplace gets you one point to exchange for a range of substantial state-of-the-art goodies. You can choose something right away or wait – the more apps you publish...

If you are interested in a hands-on approach to learning Windows 8 app development, the Windows 8 Camp is the opportunity to do so! Registration opens today and spaces are limited so be quick! Manchester, The Studio, Wednesday 23 May 2012 - Click here to register Edinburgh, Radisson Blu Hotel,...

Are you a Windows Phone App Developer with a cool new app? Nokia and Microsoft have launched a new programme seeking innovative Windows Phone 7.5 apps to feature in their latest advertising campaign. If you fancy the chance to promote your app to consumers throughout the UK for free then why not give...

Introducing the MVP Friday Five… on a Monday . Every Friday evening all the Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals blogs from around the world are scoured for the best tips, tricks and how to’s. Since this comes out a bit too late for us in the UK we’re highlighting them for you each...