Can you install you own apps on your windows 7 phone

Question

I'm trying to create my own small Windows 7 Phone app. I have downloaded the tools and I'm writing code. I'm wondering how I can install my app on my phone? Do I have to register to become an app developer and then upload my code? Is there a way to distribute my app outside of the marketplace?

I found this link: Sell Windows Phone 7 Apps outside of App Hub

But I'm not referring to selling my app. More like me testing it before I put it up on the marketplace. Is there any references on how to install my app on my own phone?

Thanks!

Answer 1

You need to register as a developer, then you will be able to register your phone in the Zune software, allowing you to sideload the apps and debug them on the phone. IIRC you can have three devices registered to a single account.

There's no way of distributing apps outside the marketplace, other than to other developers (who would be able to deploy your XAP file on their phones in the same way as if it were their own app).

Given that you're thinking of putting it on the marketplace, you'll need to register anyway - so do it now and take advantage of the ability to test it on your device right away :)

Answer 2

The Windows Phone Anti-Piracy model will only allows the phone to run signed apps unless it is unlocked. In order to unlock your phone you have to sign up for a developer account ($99 per year, free for students using DreamSpark) and even then you can only unlock a limited number of phones. Each application requests a license from the AppHub when installed to limit piracy:

During installation, a license that validates execution rights is acquired for the application. The license is issued for the specific device and the specific Windows Live ID account associated with the Marketplace account through which the application was acquired. The license is stored on the device and contains information identifying the actual code delivered as part of the download. When an application is invoked, the loader obtains the license and verifies (a) that the application code matches the application code indicated on the license and (b) that the license specifically allows for running the specific application on the specific device. If the match is successful, then the application is loaded and run on the phone; if no license is matched to the application code, the application invocation fails and the application will not run.

UPDATE 12/1/2010: There is now a 'Jailbreak' called ChevronWP7 that will allow you to unlock your phone and side-load unpublished applications without purchasing a developer account. It uses the same API as the Visual Studio unlock tool, but can support loading more than the limited number of apps that you can side load using Visual Studio. It also allows you to load custom ringtones, however due to the piracy protections listed above it will not let you install applications from the marketplace without first purchasing a license for them.

Answer 3

From a process flow, side loading to you device requires a couple steps.

1. Registered as a developer at create.msdn.com
2. Downloaded the most recent tools at create.msdn.com/en-us/home/getting_started
3. On your program list under your "Windows Phone Developer Tools" folder there is an application called 'Windows Phone Developer Registration'

That application will guide you though registering your device and then debugging / execution of your application through Visual Studio / Phone Express Edition

Developer registeration for device deployment is a common amoung other platforms as well. The registeration fee is a great deal when you consider the platform distribution, as well as cross developement for Xbox 360 xna. Check out link text for full membership details.

Answer 4

I just tried the windowsbreak today and it worked on my Samsung Focus.

http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/jailbreak-unlock-windows-phone-7/

It involves hitting a website, then entering some special codes on your phones dialer, then reboot and done. I was immediately able to install my own wp7 hello world app.