When it comes to developing applications for a platform, a software development kit (SDK) is a critical tool that is needed to streamline development. Microsoft has yet to release the SDK for Windows Phone 8 even though a copy of it was leaked a few weeks back.
WPCentral is speculating, based on a variety of source material released from Microsoft, that September 7th is the day that we will be able to get our hands on the SDK. On, and around this date, several different things are happening including TechEd Australia and Nokia has an event on the 7th as well. There is also a bit of information surrounding an embargo for the 7th as well for TechEd as noted by the image above.
The information sounds credible and the logic does follow the workflow for a typical Microsoft release. One item that is a bit alarming is that if Microsoft does release the SDK on that date, it leaves little time for developers to become familiar with the platform before launch.
For Microsoft, Windows Phone 8 needs to drive adoption at a faster pace to gain momentum (and developers) in the marketplace. With a Fall that is turning out to be an iPhone/Windows Phone showdown, Microsoft needs to deliver a rock solid OS and its vendors must have quality products ready to hit retail shelves immediately after the platform is released.