The Windows Phone 7 Series app store, Windows Phone Marketplace, has just been given a full rundown at Microsoft’s MIX conference in Las Vegas. Read on for all the new details Redmond’s unleashed, including what phone features apps can use, and the big name companies working on them right now.
While we got a teeny glimpse at what to expect from Windows Phone Marketplace back at the Windows Phone 7 Series launch in Barcelona, Steve Ballmer’s mobile posse has just dropped a whole lot more on us. First up: the Windows Phone Marketplace app store will allow for advertising, so apps won’t simply get lost in the clutter, and purchases can be made by either credit card or mobile billing for extra convenience.
Windows Phone 7 Series: hands on photos
Microsoft’s bidding to lure iPhone developers away to the Windows Phone Marketplace with a set of easy to develop tools for Windows Phone 7 Series, and has also confirmed that apps will be able to take advantage of the phone’s accelerometer, multitouch gestures, hardware accelerated video for 3D graphics, and location for GPS apps. Push notifications for updates when an app is closed, just like the iPhone offers, will also be supported.
While anyone can develop for Windows Phone Marketplace, Microsoft’s announced the first partners who are already beavering away on programs. Some big names are in the list, including EA, the Associated Press, Foursquare, Pandora, Shazam and Sling Media (Suggesting Sling Player is headed to Windows Phone 7 Series).
We’re also told that the Windows Phone Marketplace will allow for try before you buy downloads, meaning no “Lite” versions clogging up the store.
We’re expecting to hear plenty more about Windows Phone 7 Series and the Windows Phone Marketplace over the next few days, so stay poised for plenty of extra features to rear their heads.
Out 2010 | £TBC | Microsoft
