Windows Mobile Application Store

msmobiles led me to an interesting article from GeekZone.co.nz. They attended Microsoft Tech.Ed New Zealand 2009 session “Distributing and Monetizing Applications through Windows Marketplace Mobile” and has uncovered some interesting facts about our much anticipated appstore.

Good things :

• Revenue sharing is always 70/30 for developers. Even if an operator enters the mix, Microsoft will pay the operator share from their 30%.
• The marketplace client software will show available updates and users can choose to install them when they want.
• Developers are able to specify hardware requirements that will be checked before the software is purchased. ( so apps that require accelerometer will not be available for download on devices with out the hardware )
• Even if an application is rejected from the marketplace it is still possible for developers to sell it through other channels.
• Refunding will be available up to 24 hours from when the application is purchased and users will have the right to return the purchase with no questions asked

Bad things :

• If an application is approved but later removed from the marketplace it will then be automatically removed from all mobile devices. Its not bad when the app in question is a malware but when legit apps are pulled from the app store , I don’t want MS to delete the app from my phone.
• Mapping/routing applications will be rejected. ( I am guessing No Google maps or apps related to using google maps in the app store thats stupid…)

Full info : GeekZone.co.nz

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According to Engadget windows mobile will not be having the 99 cents apps in the App store. I dont think the decision is final but there might be a fixed minimum price which might not be $0.99. What do you think should be the minimum price ?

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Windows Phone Application Showcase

Microsoft has put up a website to showcase some of the Windows Phone Applications. They have clearly given more focus to Business Focused Apps, but you guys might recognize some of the Apps like Wunder Radio, Resco Sudoku, etc from the Life Style Section. We are assuming these are the apps that were submitted and accepted in to the Marketplace. Is it just me or is everyone getting the wrong screenshots for the Wunder Radio App ? via wmpoweruser

Check it out here : Windows Phone Application Showcase
Note : you will need Silverlight for it to work.

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