Windows Phone Thoughts: Sony Ericsson Releases Xperia Panel Interface SDK

"We know what you're thinking -- it's Windows Mobile 6.1 fool, we've got the developers kit already. True, but not the SDK that allows developers to create custom, interactive panels for the touchscreen QWERTY's Panel Interface. Sony Ericsson claims that, "The Xperia X1 will offer the richest mobile user experience, putting the world at the fingertips of the user." In other words, the expectations have been set, developers, so you'd best get to downloading the free SDK -- you've got your work cut out for you. Sony Ericsson will offer a panel download service in the future, showcasing all the panels built by you, Google, and other partners."

The Xperia may run Windows Mobile 6.1, but it's panel interface isn't a stock item from Microsoft and thus isn't covered under the regular SDKs released by Microsoft. Thankfully Sony Ericcson has made a SDK available so coders can get busy with Xperia apps taking advantage of the panel.