Since Apple is cashing in big time on its App Store, Microsoft couldn’t miss the opportunity of launching a similar service, aimed at Windows Mobile developers and software downloaders.
Known as Windows Marketplace, this “App Store” will require the devs to pay $99 for every year of cooperation with Microsoft. Here’s what it’s all about:
Apple also charges the same amount for the digital certificate needed to post software to App Store, but the catch is that Microsoft will be charging the fee for each and every app published to its service. However, till the end of 2009, the software giant will give developers 5 free passes to publish their software.
Just like Apple, Microsoft will get 30% of the revenue earned through the downloaded apps. There will also be free software available, which is kind of frustrating, specially when the dev already paid $99 to get his app on the downloads list.
Windows Marketplace will make its debut in Q4 2009 together with Windows Mobile 6.5, but developers will already have the chance of registering this Spring.
[via IntoMobile and wmpoweruser]
