[avigyan]

I got a WP developer account today. What are the perks of having a developer account? Is having a developer account similar to having a developer unlocked phone? If not, how do I get my phone developer unlocked? Is there something like I can get more features and apps which are not available to public?

[berty6294]

Download the tools. It includes one that unlocks your phone. Use to sideload apps and get into the Dev Preview.

[avigyan]

So basically I can't do anything without the tools even if my phone is linked to a developer account? The computer has to be the ultimate saviour all the time isn't it?

[berty6294]

So basically I can't do anything without the tools even if my phone is linked to a developer account? The computer has to be the ultimate saviour all the time isn't it?

Uh... yah. lol

That's one way to put it! Most developers choose to develop on a PC instead of their phones.

[elviix]

You can even unlock one phone for development without developer's account. Though you need developers account to publish your soft of market.

[Sensonic]

What's the score with this one???

I've had student's developer account since 2012 and now I cannot register phones anymore :(
The latest phone I was able to register was my Dell Venue Pro on January 2014.

So if someone could answer to these following questions, I'd REALLY REALLY appreciate it:

1) has there been some changes in student developer account? At least I haven't got any information from Microsoft about it
2) has this something to do that I still use WIN XP and SDK 7? So it's not supported anymore etc.?
3) how do you register that one phone (i.e. Wiindows Phone 7.8) without a developer account? I've built some phones (bought wrecked phones and fixed them) for my friends but I just cannot register their phones with their Windows Live accounts even though I've tried it several times.

Any help is highly appreciated! Thanks a million in advance!