The SDK also includes a number of different emulators for testing a program against a specific smartphone. Other testing and profiling tools have been provided as well.

Microsoft for not releasing the SDK sooner, so that developers could have built more applications prior to the official launch of Windows Phone 8. The new OS offers many unique features -- such as live tiles, selective sharing and near-field payment communications -- that developers will need to become acquainted with in order to make their apps as appealing as possible.

Microsoft of the SDK to select users in September.

In conjunction with the Build conference, Nokia to help programmers get up to speed on the new platform. One, called the Nokia Ad Exchange, provides an easy way for developers to build advertising into their applications. The second, called the Nokia Premium Developer Program, provides a set of controls and support for developers.