Microsoft kicked off Windows Mobile app store challenge last week, with the introduction of the Windows® Marketplace for Mobile, a new marketplace that will provide direct-to-phone mobile applications and can be accessed from both the phone and the Web. Also, Microsoft announced the Race to Marketplace challenge to get developers to build paid and free apps for the upcoming Windows Mobile 6.5. Microsoft is even including some pretty sweet toys for the winners. While there may several Apple fanboys that believe developers won’t flock to WinMo due to complexities developing for different phones and screen resolutions, we tend to disagree with that notion.
Windows Mobile OS for cell phones sold more than 20 million units in 2008. Apple’s iPhone sales are strong, they have fantastic market penetration for a relatively new phone and had an increase of 245% in 2008. But Microsoft has something that Apple and their iPhone don’t have, Windows Market share. So far in 2009, Microsoft Windows is up about 0.20 percentage points, from 88.2 percent in January to 88.42 percent February. Apple’s Mac, meanwhile, dropped from 9.93 percent to 9.61 percent over those two months. Market share data can be viewed here.
Apple just can’t compete against Microsoft in the OS realm. Don’t get me wrong, I like the iPhone and Apple will be looked back in history as the cell phone that changed the market. Many competitors are trying to come up with their own version of the iPhone and the closest competitor right now is Palm’s Pre. But Microsoft has some HUGE partners in their back pocket and with the combination of Windows 7 release, WinMo 6.5 (and WinMo 7 shortly thereafter), Windows Marketplace for Mobile and the Race to Marketplace challenge for developers, all cell phone makers ought to keep an eye out when the behemoth from Bellevue because Microsoft still has a few tricks still left up their sleeves.
Some of these tricks were written below which are going to make consumers and developers a whole lot happier:
Refund Policies
If you’re dissatisfied with the ridiculous farting application you just bought, Microsoft will take it back for a full refund within 24 hours.
Pricing Strategy
Microsoft has decided to allow customers the choice of either paying via credit card or have the charges planted on their mobile phone bill. A brilliant move!
Content Partnerships
A list of some of Microsoft’s content partnerships include Facebook, Pandora, MySpace, CNBC, Accuweather, Ilium Software, Resco, Spb Software, WebIS, Sling Media, Zagat Survey, Namco, Netflix and Electronic Arts Mobile. With a team of well respected content providers standing in Microsoft’s corner, you can expect developers to generate some very original apps.
[Via PCWorld]
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