Microsoft has signed up a number of developers for its forthcoming mobile application store, including Facebook, MySpace, games maker Electronic Arts and music service Pandora. The software giant says it will discuss the partnerships and demo mobile apps at the CTIA wireless showcase in Las Vegas this week.
The app store is scheduled to launch in the second half of this year and will work on phones running the Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system, also set for release in the coming months.
Other partners include games maker Gameloft and weather site Accuweather. Microsoft says it expects a number of its 20,000 existing mobile software partners to sell apps through the store. Microsoft’s key rival, Apple’s market-leading App Store, currently offers 27,000 apps from a range of developers.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced the app store at the Mobile World Congress event in February and revealed details of the service earlier this month. Developers will pay USD99 a year to submit up to five apps, with additional apps costing USD99 each. Microsoft will match the 70% revenue share that Apple offers developers through its App Store.
Microsoft hopes to tap into frustration at Apple’s app-vetting process. Developers say Apple offers no timeframe for approving apps and will often reject apps without presenting reasons. In contrast, Microsoft aims to make its app store more transparent by offering more feedback.
Reuters says Facebook’s Windows Mobile app will be the first to let users upload video captured on their phones directly to the network.
StrategyEye's related categories: Handsets, Mobile Device Applications, Online Marketplaces
StrategyEye's related companies: Gameloft, AccuWeather, Pandora Media, Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Facebook, MySpace
