Windows Marketplace for Mobile Now Lets Consumers Shop on their PC

Microsoft's software shop debuted with the release of Windows Mobile 6.5 devices last month. Although it was created to be an on-device way to get apps, there is now a Web-based version for PCs, too.

This lets Windows phone users browse, buy, and download software at the Windows Marketplace for Mobile site. The selected applications are delivered wirelessly to the customer’s phone, and install the next time the Windows Marketplace client runs on the device.

Enhancements for Developers
Microsoft has also made some changes to the developer portal to allow easier uploading of images, greater insight into account status, and several other refinements based on feedback from developers.

The latest update also provides more advanced anti-piracy protection.

More about Windows Marketplace for Mobile
On-device software stores have been all the rage once Apple demonstrated how successful they could be with the iPhone App Store. Microsoft's version is new, and still getting up to speed.

It is currently available only on phones running Windows Mobile 6.5, but a version for Windows mobile 6.1 and 6.0 is scheduled for release by the end of this year.

Developers who sell applications through the Windows Marketplace for Mobile receive 70% of the revenue, with the other 30% going to Microsoft. Third-party developers are able to set the price for their applications in each market, and can also choose to distribute their products for free.

Software developers will have to pay an introductory annual registration fee of $99, which allows them to submit five applications a year to Microsoft for certification. Each additional submission within the year costs $99 more. The registration fee is waived for students through enrollment in the Microsoft DreamSpark program.

Source: Windows Mobile Developer Blog