Microsoft released the new Windows Mobile version 6.5. One of the new features is the Windows Mobile app store, called Marketplace. Initially, it will only be available on new phones with the newest version 6.5 operating system. Current Windows Mobile 6.0 and 6.1 users will get access to the store later this year.
Windows Marketplace launched with 246 available applications. Microsoft previously announced that the store would contain over 600 apps at launch.
Windows Mobile Marketplace
Consumers that want to purchase applications can pay using credit card or operator billing with a selection of carriers. Marketplace also contains an operator specific section and will be rolled out in 29 different countries.
Windows native applications and widgets are accepted. At this moment it is not possible to submit Java applications. Both paid and free applications are supported. Developers are able to charge one time fees for their applications, or offer them for free. The revenue share for developers is 70%, in line with most competitor stores.
Microsoft also announced that the content in the store will be growing rapidly over the coming months. It will be interesting to see how the content and pricing will develop and if successful developers on other platforms will publish their content in Marketplace.
Developers that want to publish their apps in Windows Marketplace can go here.
Vincent Hoogsteder
[...] Marketplace for Mobile was launched at the beginning of October. Until now, it has been available for only new Windows Mobile phones [...]