Windows Marketplace to be ready for 6.0 and 6.1 in November

Windows Marketplace for Mobile, Microsoft's app store for Windows Mobile devices, is set to launch as part of the new 6.5 OS on October 6th. But what about all of those handsets running Windows Mobile 6.0 and 6.1? Will the owners of those phones be shut out from adding third party applications to their units? According to Microsoft's Todd Brix, writing to developers in the official Windows Blog, the answer is a resounding "No".

According to Brix, the Redmond based company will be dividing the release of the Windows Marketplace into two phases. Phase one begins Tuesday with the launch of Windows Mobile 6.5, which will include Windows Marketplace for Mobile. The second phase will be a rollout of the app store for Windows 6.0 and 6.1 through an update that is expected before the end of the year. November is the month specifically being targeted for the release.

While discussing the matter with third party developers in mind, Brix said, "In addition, this second phase will bring the PC based catalog and shopping experience, user generated app reviews, advanced key-based anti-piracy protection and other enhancements that expand your business opportunity and make it easier for a larger number of customers to find and buy your application." So this Tuesday, those of you lucky or astute enough to have a Windows Mobile 6.5 powered phone will be loading up your model with applications. The rest of you with units running the 6.0 or 6.1 versions of Microsoft's mobile OS will need to wait just a few weeks longer before your handset has access to the store.

source: WindowsBlog via WMExperts