| Developer(s) | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows Mobile 6.x |
| Type | Digital distribution |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | Marketplace for Windows Mobile |
Windows Marketplace for Mobile is a service by Microsoft for its Windows Mobile platform that allows users to browse and download applications that have been developed by third parties. The service was available for use directly on Windows Mobile 6.x devices (versions earlier than 6.5 require downloading a free Windows Marketplace for Mobile application) and on personal computers. It was announced at the 2009 Mobile World Congress, and began operation on 6 October 2009, featuring an initial 246 applications.[1] Initially it was available only for Windows Mobile 6.5, and was made available to older 6.x versions a few weeks later.[2] On February 15, 2010 Microsoft announced its next generation mobile platform named Windows Phone 7; there is a separate app store, Windows Phone Marketplace, for it; apps are not interchangeable between WM6.x and WP7.
The Marketplace website announced in mid-2011: "On July 15th [2011] this website will no longer offer Windows Mobile 6.x applications for download. If you have a Windows Mobile 6.x phone you can continue accessing the application store from the Marketplace client on your phone. ... [you must] sign in to Marketplace for Mobile on your phone ... to buy apps".
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Windows Marketplace for Mobile, available through applications for Windows Mobile and personal computers, offers a 24-hour return policy for buyers, and 70% of each application sale will be paid to developers.[3] A one-time $99 USD fee for developers to list an unlimited number of paid applications or up to five free applications yearly in the store is charged by Microsoft. After five free applications have been listed for the year, each additional free application can be listed for a $19.99 USD fee. Microsoft accepts payment from buyers through credit cards and carrier charges.
Students who are members of Microsoft's DreamSpark program can submit applications to the store for free, waiving the $99 USD fee.
Carriers have the ability to create a branded section of the store to market carrier-specific applications and services for their customers.[4]
Microsoft does not distribute certain types of apps, including those with sexual content, via the Marketplace.[5] Banned applications include:
Rumors about the service began to surface around the internet in September 2008, whereas it was referred to as "Skymarket", and was to appear with the Windows Mobile 7 release.[6] Rumors stemmed from an online job listing from Microsoft's website calling for a "Senior Product Manager".[7]
On February 16, 2009, Microsoft made an official announcement for the service at the 2009 Mobile World Congress for use with upcoming Windows Mobile 6.5 devices.[8] The company has since announced that availability of the service will be by the end of 2009.[4]
The store opened for business on 6 October 2009, featuring 246 applications.[1]
On November 12, 2009, the Marketplace web application was opened.[9]
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