777 Windows Phone 7 Apps Available on Launch Day

The first models running Windows Phone 7 have hit store shelves in Europe, and Microsoft was able to announce that users of its new operating system have 777 applications to choose from in the software store.

Like some of its rivals, Windows Phone 7 includes an on-device software store. This is the only way users can buy and install apps.

The software stores for Apple's iOS and Google's Android OS have many, many thousands of applications, and if Microsoft wants to be competitive it needs to be be able to offer customers a large number of software options.

According to Joe Belfiore, Corporate Vice President, Windows Phone Program, this new platform has 777 items in its apps store, even though it just launch. Of course, Microsoft announced WP7 this spring, giving developers months to gets their products ready.

What's Available?
At the top of the list of WP7 apps are some critical items many would consider critical: YouTube, Twitter, and Windows Live Messenger.

Games include a mix of simple puzzle titles as well as more in-depth offerings. This includes Bejeweled, Star Wars: Battle for Hoth, Tetris, and The Sims.

Those interested in streaming video could enjoy Netflix, Ustream, and U-verse, while streaming audio services include Last.fm, Slacker, and many more.

There is also an Adobe Acrobat Reader, AT&T Navigator, and Google Voice.

A version of SlingPlayer Mobile for Windows Phone 7 is also in development.

Microsoft Windows Phone 7 Overview
Despite its name, this new smartphone operating system has little in common with its predecessors. It has a completely different user interface and won't run applications written for the earlier versions.

Its focus has mostly moved to consumers, and its new UI emphasizes social networking, pictures, multimedia, games, etc. It has also been redesigned to be controlled with a fingertip.

Still, it includes some hold-overs from Windows Mobile that business users want: Microsoft Office Mobile and support for synchronizing with Microsoft Exchange.

In addition to working with Microsoft's Zune music service, it is also tied into the Xbox Live gaming service.

Earlier this month, AT&T and T-Mobile announced an array of models running Windows Phone 7 from four different device makers. Most of these will be released in November.

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