Windows Marketplace to offer 600 apps at launch

Microsoft said its forthcoming Windows Marketplace for Mobile application storefront will launch with 600 applications. Windows Marketplace for Mobile--first announced in mid-February and scheduled to roll out later this year in conjunction with the software giant's Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system--will debut with both premium and free applications according to Audrey Zolghadr, Windows Mobile product manager for Microsoft France. Zolghadr tells Mobifrance the store will offer both credit card and operator billing, and offer users 24 hours to return apps if they are not satisfied.

According to Microsoft, Windows Marketplace for Mobile will debut in 29 countries. The storefront promises developers 70 percent of all revenues as well as transparency throughout the certification process--developers may set their own prices in each market, enabling them to maximize their revenues based on targeted pricing strategies. Microsoft is slated to begin accepting Windows Marketplace for Mobile application submissions later this summer.

For more on the Windows Marketplace launch plans:
- read this wmpoweruser.com article