Microsoft has introduced a new lifetime Dev Center account and a new Dev Center Benefits program. A lifetime Dev Center registration fee is now available as Microsoft continues its vision to integrate the Windows and Windows Phone developer experience.
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Windows Dev Center requires only a one-time registration payment, which grants developers the ability to submit apps to both the Windows Store and Windows Phone Store, with no annual renewal fee.
The new registration fee is augmented by a new Dev Center Benefits program which is designed to accelerate a developer’s success on the Windows platform by helping develop, improve and market apps with a variety of offers and tools. There are three offer packages in the program, tailored by experience level:
Explorer: Helps get developers started quickly with design and architecture guidance and consulting help from a Microsoft expert.
Expert: Helps reach more users faster with advertising offers, a publishing contract, and more.
Master: Provides VIP access to developer marketing and support, SDK early access and more.
Developers move from Explorer to Expert, then to Master as apps get more downloads, higher revenue, better ratings, and improved app experiences. The program is open to all registered Windows developers, as well as developers that want to bring their apps to Windows or Windows Phone.