Windows Phone Marketplace Has Over 2,000 Apps, New Features

Along with the release of the first Window Phone 7 handsets in the United States, a series of new changes were brought to the Windows Phone Merketplace too, including new features, in addition to a larger number of applications than only a few weeks ago.

The Windows Phone Marketplace already includes a number of more than 2,000 applications, though it went live not too long ago with less than half of that.

At the same time, the Marketplace was fully opened for submission for all of the “13,000 registered developers in the 30 supported markets,” Microsoft's Todd Brix notes in a recent blog post.

App developers already have at their disposal a nice range of tools to help them build applications for Microsoft's mobile operating system, and some more were added into the mix.

“Starting today Microsoft Advertising’s in-app ad solution for Windows Phone 7 is available and serving ads in the U.S., helping developers earn more revenue by making integrating ads easy and providing reporting that leverages the industry’s first real-time, bid mobile ad exchange,” Brix states.

He also notes that the Windows Phone Developer Tools were downloaded over half-a-million times, and that the company already put in place the App Hub portal to offer resources for app and Xbox indie game developers in a single place.

Of course, the company worked at the user end of the Marketplace too, so as to ensure that all users benefit from a great experience from their devices.

“With the new Marketplace Hub on every Windows Phone 7 we’re giving consumers one place to find the music, apps and games they love, and using our design system to make shopping more fun and intuitive,” the said blog post continues.

As soon as one found the wanted content, the Windows Phone would organize it into a series of other phone experiences, including Pictures, Games and Music + Video Hubs.

“These aren’t just new features; these are steps we’ve taken to make developers a core element of our new Windows Phone brand promise by extending our commitment to design and integration to apps and the shopping experience,” Brix says.

However, Windows Phone 7 marked a fresh start for Microsoft, both when it comes to its approach to mobile experiences, as well as to its relationship with the developer community, and more features will soon be included in the equation.

“We’ll also continue adding features to Marketplace such as reporting and regional support to make creating and merchandizing even easier and more rewarding on Windows Phone 7. That said, I’m very encouraged by the reception we’ve received thus far,” the said blog post continues.