We’re proud to announce that the initial beta for version 2.1 of the ArcGIS API for Windows Phone is now available for download on the resource center. The API is built on the Silverlight framework of the Windows Phone Application Platform which includes existing Microsoft tools and technologies such as Visual Studio and Expression Blend. Developers already familiar with those tools and technologies will be able to create new applications for Windows Phone without a steep learning curve.
The ArcGIS API for Windows and the ArcGIS API for Microsoft Silverlight/WPF share the same architecture, thus you can reuse knowledge and application logic in ArcGIS applications built for Windows Phone, Web, and desktop applications. However, there are some pivotal differences in platform and device capabilities. Currently these differences limit the functionality included in the initial beta release of the ArcGIS API for Windows Phone. For example, the toolkit controls or map behaviors and actions libraries are not included, maptips on graphics layers are not supported (yet), and only a limited subset of toolkit data sources (OpenStreetMap and WMS) are provided. In addition, the availability of mobile devices running the Window Phone 7 platform is limited, so the UI experence for most applications will involve the use of emulation software. Granted, the use of a touch-enabled device with the emulator can provide a interactive experience similar to a phone. Currently the ArcGIS API includes functionality in the Map and Draw objects to support a common touch and gesture experience on touch-enabled devices.
To get started:
1) Download and install the Windows Phone Developer Tools. They will integrate with Visual Studio 2010 or Expression Blend 4, or install a version of Visual Web Developer Express for Windows Phone. Note, the Windows Phone Developer Tools are only supported on WIndows Vista and Windows 7 platforms. The tools are not supported for use on a virtual machine.
2) Download the ArcGIS API for Windows Phone ZIP file from the ArcGIS resource center. Unzip the contents to a directory of your choice.
3) Use the Getting Started section in the help documentation to build your first Windows Phone application with the ArcGIS API.
For more information, use the ArcGIS for Windows Phone resource center to review concepts, peruse and download the interactive SDK, or dive deep into the APIs library reference. Also, feel free to ask questions and get help in the ArcGIS for Windows Phone forum.
Be sure to check out the Windows Phone Developer site for more information on the general Windows Phone developer experience.
Enjoy!
The ArcGIS Windows Phone Development Team
