Microsoft to Launch Windows Mobile Marketplace with 600 Applications

Microsoft will launch its Windows Marketplace for Mobile this fall with 600 applications, according to published reports.

The Website WMPoweruser.com reports that Audrey Zolghadr, Windows Mobile product manager for Microsoft France, told MobiFrance of the impending fall launch of the Microsoft marketplace for Windows Mobile applications.

Indeed, in an interview -- translated from the French -- with MobiFrance, Zolghadr said:

"For the launch of Marketplace, 600 applications will be certified and available. It will be possible to retrieve the software from the search engine. Only software compatible with the screen resolution, touch or not touch will be visible to the user. Customers can test the software since they will be sold with a satisfaction or your money back offer valid for 24 hours. The customer may choose to pay by credit card will be billed directly or by deduction from the invoice operator (as operators). Microsoft wants to make the smartphone more fun. We offer new games for free. We signed a partnership with EA Games and manufacturers can integrate such mobile Sim City and other surprises."

Despite being a relatively low number when compared to recent smartphone marketplaces such as Nokia's Ovi Store, Engadget Mobile says the Microsoft marketplace may be on the right track.

Said blogger Chris Ziegler on Engadget Mobile:

"At the end of the day, it's all about signal-to-noise ratio; if Microsoft can deliver 600 apps and half of those are terrific, they're on the right track -- though at this point, we're thinking the next battle in Smartphone Platform Wars doesn't really kick off until WinMo 7 swings by anyway."

In a March 11 announcement, Microsoft laid out details about how developers can build and sell applications for Windows phones through Windows Marketplace for Mobile, the company's application marketplace available with the Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system.