With Windows Phone 7 seen as Microsoft's last gasp attempt to compete with the likes of Apple and Google in the smartphone space, the company is apparently splashing the cash to ensure its autumn launch is well populated with content.

One developer has told PocketGamer.biz that Microsoft is contacting successful iPhone developers, offering them upfront cash to port their games to the new platform.

Amounts are said to be substantial, although not enough to tempt the developer in question. Because Windows Phone 7 is limited to Silverlight or XNA Framework (C#) development, the cost of reworking its games from C++ remains too high.

Going native?

Interestingly though, our source still reckoned there was the possibility Microsoft could tweak the development environment to make porting from C++ easier, and hence tip the balance to make the deal commercially viable.

As to the likely success of such strategy, history suggests that the results are patchy.

Sony similarly encouraged iPhone developers to support its PSP Minis program, although it's not known if with such financial inducements. The presence of Fieldrunners and Bloons failed to set the platform alight however.