Microsoft has finally brought the application store to Windows Mobile (at long last too), though initially, the well accepted and sought after Windows Mobile Marketplace was originally only available on Windows Mobile version 6.5. Now, the Marketplace can be accessed from Windows Mobile version 6.0 and 6.1, giving more customers the chance to increase the functionality of their mobile phones through applications. While this little tidbit of news is already expected, it is most welcome.
The first announcement that Windows Mobile Marketplace will be available on older versions of the WinMo operating system was when Microsoft announced that the application store would be made accessible through the PC and will be having additional anti-piracy measures.
This news comes as a large relief to many frustrated owners of Windows Mobile phones who had to rely on other means of expanding functionality to their phones. Thanks to the new Marketplace, users can now purchase applications directly from Microsoft and download straight even from their computer.
It has been well over a month since Windows Marketplace went online for thousands of Windows Mobile 6.5 users, still, the launch was not considered a true success as it left plenty of Windows Mobile users still in the dark. With no announcements about support for older versions, it seemed unlikely that the Marketplace would be accessible to others. The last couple of weeks gave lights of hope to distraught WinMo users as 6.0 and 6.1 compatibility for Windows Marketplace was formally announced.
The updated marketplace for 6.0 and 6.1 are available for download at Microsoft’s official website. Users of even older versions of Windows Mobile (there are?) should consider buying a new phone to replace their old ones.
As of this moment, all versions of the Windows Marketplace include the added anti-piracy features. Developers and would-be contributors to the Marketplace are advised to read the white-letter on the Marketplace site.
