Microsoft Marketplace to launch with 600 apps

Microsoft announced that its upcoming Windows Marketplace for Mobile applications will launch later this year with a minimum of 600 applications, with the possibility of even more apps ready for launch.

Originally announced in February, Microsoft will launch its latest marketplace to coincide with the release of Windows Mobile 6.5.  The store will offer both free applications and premium apps that users must purchase before being able to download and use, Microsoft executives said.

The new Windows Marketplace for Mobile will launch in 29 nations and developers will receive a 70 percent cut of all revenue generated by apps sold through the store.  Developers have been able to register apps they want sold through the store since early May, with Microsoft anxious to convince even more developers to submit applications.

Anyone with a Windows-based phone will be able to download apps through the store.  Furthermore, each app can be purchased via credit card or the cost of the app can be added to a phone subscriber’s phone bill.  All apps can be returned within 24 hours if a shopper isn’t happy with it.

Microsoft hasn’t announced when the store will officially open, but it’s expected to debut before the end of 2009.

Apple’s App Store has created a mini-revolution in which consumers are able to select which apps they want to purchase, and have a central location where they can easily find them.  There are reportedly more than 50,000 apps available through the Apple App Store.

Palm, which recently launched its Pre smartphone, also has a new app store marketed towards Pre owners.  The store only has a small handful of apps, but the company hopes to convince new developers to begin creating apps.