Game Development Conference (GDC) 2010 will feature sessions about development of games on the Windows Phone. Here’s what they say:

“The sessions appears as part of Microsoft’s Game Developer Day tutorials on March 9th and 10th, with much of Wednesday, March 10th dedicated to the new operating system and technical/design specifics.”

Here is the agenda: Overview of Game Development for Windows Phone’, ‘Optimizing Performance of Modern Games for Windows Phone’, ‘Development and Debugging Tools for Windows Phone’, and a discussion on "basic design for a web-services-enabled game" for a Windows Phone 7 Series-compatible device.”

Read more here.

HTC HD2’s ROM has been updated to 1.66.405.2. The update is available only to vodafone customers. Take the usual precautions:

• You need a broadband connection.
• We recommend that you backup all important content – contacts, photos, ringtones, games etc – stored on your phone before you start.
• You’ll need your phone’s USB cable. If you don’t have one you can buy one from your local Vodafone store.
• You’ll also have to download an application to your PC.

Look more at vodafone.

Pharos released its first rugged Windows Phone, the Pharos 565. The phone is strong enough to allow you to use your phone bluntly. Have a look at its features:

• Windows Mobile 6.5
• Compact, ruggedized PDA with a full QWERTY keyboard
• Fast 624 MHz CPU with 512 MB Flash ROM and 256 MB SDRAM
• Bright 3.5” TFT color display with touch screen
• Built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth for fast positioning and communications
• Support traditional IrDA, RAW IR/SIR, serial RS-232, USB interfaces
• Built-in microphone and speaker
• Industrial IP54 grade ruggedized PDA
• 4-5 feet drop protection
• Tech support hotline: 1-888-PHARO

Priced at about $530, it is loaded with WIndows Mobile 6.5.3. Look more at Pharos. 

Now here is something that may be disturbing for carriers using Windows Mobile on their devices for years. Windows Phone 7 is not free. The new OS that will be existing alongside the Windows Mobile 6 or the Windows Phone Classic, may be pondered upon by the carriers before they go for it.

Charging license fee for Windows Phone 7 from the carriers implies more expensive devices for the consumers. Although it is agreed that there is a marked increase in the way the Windows phone OS works, the extra fee is a big no.

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With launch of Windows Phone 7 series, Windows Mobile 6 has been renamed as a ‘Windows phone Classic.’ As already known, the Microsoft has planned to ship the newer versions of Windows Mobile 6 and Windows Phone 7 together.

Since the present apps and hardware are not supported on Windows phone 7, Windows phone classic will be catered to their utilization. Windows Phone Classic Series is a relief for those who found the new OS’s interface not that exciting.

Via Engadgetmobile