Starting next month, developers will begin to receive Windows Phone 7 devices to help them with their Windows Phone 7 development. To date, they’ve had to rely on a software emulator. Carriers will also begin to receive devices to support their own testing.
While Microsoft will not have enough devices for all developers, it is looking to make sure that not just larger software developers get their hands on devices. Early recipients will be those who “who have invested in the Silverlight and .NET platforms, registered at Windows Phone Marketplace and have begun building apps with the Windows Phones Developer Tools.”
Windows Phone 7 is expected to be released in time for manufacturers to have devices out in time for the holiday season.
Source: CNet News