Windows 7 was the fastest selling operating system in the history of the planet.  Windows 8 has the opportunity to be the next record breaker, and with that comes a huge opportunity for developers.  In this email are some resources to get you started developing apps for Windows 8 and opportunity for potentially being one of the first apps into the Windows Store and available for download the day Windows 8 releases.

First of all, download the Windows 8 Consumer Preview from http://aka.ms/Get8 and the Visual Studio Beta tools for Windows 8 from http://aka.ms/Dev8 .  Here are some developer resources to help you get started building Windows 8 Metro Style Applications.

· Windows Developer Center for Metro apps – http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/  (there is a wealth of information if you click on the “Learn” menu item at the top)

· Design guidance – http://design.windows.com

· Sample code – http://code.msdn.microsoft.com/windowsapps/

· Forums for asking questions and getting unblocked – http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/windowsapp

Once you have an idea for an application, email me (jbrand @ microsoft dot com). Don’t wait to finish your application before emailing me.  I will give you instructions for registering yourself and your applications(s).  From there, you will have the opportunity to have your application reviewed and approved for submission to the Store.  This opportunity may not last forever.  Even if you are thinking about developing an app, or just have a vague idea, send me an email.  You can always decline to participate later, but reserve your spot today!