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Introducing Windows® Marketplace for Mobile…

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At Mobile World Congress today in Barcelona, Steve Ballmer announced a number of upcoming additions to the Windows Mobile® family. In addition to great consumer-focused services such as Microsoft® My Phone, he also announced a new on-device application marketplace for Windows Mobile 6.5 called Windows Marketplace for Mobile. Beyond providing consumers with the ability to browse and download applications from their Windows Mobile 6.5 phone, this new service will offer developers, like yourselves, the opportunity to connect directly with those millions of Windows Mobile users, to publish and distribute applications. Sound like a win-win opportunity? Let’s take a closer look.

Before I dig into the details, let me begin by introducing myself. My name is John Bruno, and I am a new contributor to the Windows Mobile Team Blog. As a Program Manager on the Windows Marketplace team, I am responsible for the developer-focused features of the product. So, I am really excited to be able to announce this program for developers, and hope all of you are as enthusiastic about this opportunity as we are.

In the past, it has been challenging for developers to get their Windows Mobile applications into the hands of consumers. In addition to fragmentation in the distribution channels, there has been no definitive marketplace experience on the device for users to browse and acquire applications and/or content. This has prevented developers from achieving broad reach with their application offering, and inhibited the user’s ability to leverage the power of their Windows phone.  Fortunately, Windows  Marketplace for Mobile addresses these challenges while also including a number of key benefits for developers. Examples of some of these key benefits include:

  • An easily discovered on-device application that is installed on every Windows Mobile 6.5 device, and includes prominent placement on the Start menu.
  • Leverage existing Microsoft developer tools, such as Visual Studio, for faster time to market.

As you can see, the opportunity for developers is quite clear. Windows Marketplace can help you grow your business profitably by connecting you directly with millions of Windows Mobile users that are looking for your applications. Whether you are a hobbyist developer or a large ISV, we’ll make it easy for you to bring your applications to market and manage them effectively throughout their life cycle.

Please stay tuned to this blog, or our web site as we release additional information about the Windows Marketplace developer program over the coming weeks. In the meantime, please feel free to send us your questions or feedback. We look forward to hearing from you!

Stay tuned for more details!

Comments

  • Anonymous
    February 17, 2009
    Will Windows Mobile 6.1 users have access to the Marketplace?

  • Anonymous
    February 17, 2009
    From what I've read above, looks like the marketplace will only be available to 6.5 devices. I think the better question is: when will 6.1 users have access to the 6.5 upgrade. ;)

  • Anonymous
    February 17, 2009
    The comment has been removed

  • Anonymous
    February 17, 2009
    Why don't they just call it WM7? Am I missing something?

  • Anonymous
    February 17, 2009
    Great news, hopefully Zune will b available soon also.   KS WM7 is coming next year.

  • Anonymous
    February 18, 2009
    So will this (unless past Microsoft efforts at selling online) be available to customers everywhere? Otherwise with a default installation on every 6.5 device you'll just be wasting space with an application that is of no use to us.

  • Anonymous
    February 19, 2009
    Hi Folks, thanks for the great comments. Please stay tuned for more specific details about participation. As mentioned, the marketplace will be available on all 6.5 devices in a highly discoverable location.   Thanks for your quesitons and feedback! Keep them coming. -John Bruno

  • Anonymous
    February 19, 2009
    The comment has been removed

  • Anonymous
    February 20, 2009
    I think it would be better to release the marketplace now in beta form on WM6.1.  Lets get it perfect and also help Windows Mobile apps get popular via mainstream.  WM6.5 wont be released until Q4 which is so long.  Many people might switch from Windows Mobile to another Mobile OS when they look for a new phone. However, if you release the marketplace soon, those who love their Windows Mobile apps will want to get WM6.5 when they get a new phone.  Especially if an app they like is updated and improved on a more powerful device.  

  • Anonymous
    February 22, 2009
    I believe reasons to support Marketplace only for WM 6.5 must be stated very clearly by MS. 3rd-party developers now are in very interesting situation - they already know their existing apps will not(6.0 and 6.1 compatible) sold there.. But - where is the problem? Is it major OS and SDK refresh? Is it just someone error in stating it about 6.6 only? Also there were no any clue about differencies between 6.1 and 6.5 for developers as well as about WM Standard/Smartphone platform future. Right now it seems like MS just give us some hints, not more.. but not even beta-quality ready. Any ideas, info etc.?

  • Anonymous
    February 23, 2009
    So is this guy right or wrong about the marketplace? http://www.bostonherald.com/business/technology/general/view.bg?articleid=1152966&format=text

  • Anonymous
    March 14, 2009
    Hi, There are new handsets in which we can copy or insert new data through USB and will be connect with PC.