I stopped developing for Windows Mobile for two reasons:

1. The cut was too high for strong-armed companies like Handango and PocketGear. It leaves developers with little net profit, or it forces them to charge more than what the program deserves. This leads to…

2. Piracy. With so much piracy for Windows Mobile devices, it’s easier for the end user to Google up a RapidShare link or join thriving warez sites to grab the latest goods. Apple got the right idea by wrapping their App Store downloads with FairPlay DRM, and even though it’s been hacked for Jailbroken devices, they are actively pursuing firmware fixes that will close those holes.

I’m wondering when a ‘cross platform mobile’ application market will be launched?

Obviously there are more windows mobile applications than any other mobile platform out there just seems strange nothing competing with the iPhone app store has been launched.

Seems like an obvious choice with
http://windows.MobileAppStore.net
or
http://android.MobileAppStore.net
or
http://iphone.MobileAppStore.net etc etc.

Cheers,
Dean

My answer: yes.

Microsoft should do it ASAP, I dont like Handango and Pocketgear and searching all over the web for mobile apps. I love the apple app store can’t wait to try it on WM7 devices next year ..

I don’t really care if Microsoft creates a centralized software marketplace, as long as I can still get my applications outside of it. I don’t care much for Handango, but it’s not too much of a problem for me. Every now and again I’ll find that one program that can only be purchased through them, but it doesn’t happen much. One thing I like about Windows Mobile is that I can get my programs anywhere. I’m not very thrilled with the Apple App Store for my iPod Touch. There are some interesting applications, but I resent that there are no trials as of yet. I don’t normally like to drop money on a program, especially for a mobile device, unless I can try it first. If Microsoft is able to duplicate the App Store, great, but if they shut down the ability to get my applications elsewhere, I just might jump platform.

Gavin, it was done years ago by Handango. Their InHand client installs on WinMo to give you direct access to their catalogue.

Of course, I can see why it would have taken a while for something like this to take off. Although it would have been possible over wifi there’s no way I’d want to download applications over GPRS. Even UMTS is too slow and unreliable IMO but HSDPA solves the problem. Unlike Apple, Microsoft have more phones out there that lack 3G but that won’t be the case once WinMo 7 is released (I’d expect all WinMo 7 phones will be 3G or faster.)

This could have been done years ago. It has taken a long time to free Cab files from their EXE containers with forced installations from a PC. Develop a simple front end that allows direct purchase and download/install of cab files to the device and we’re good to go!

Handango and Pocketgear deserver to lose business when they take such a high percentage from developers.

I think Microsoft would do well to try and take as little as possible. If Microsoft could provide an easy to use online shop without taking a cut of the profits it would encourage more developers to produce better apps which can only be positive for Windows Mobile. They can certainly afford as demonstrated by the fact that they give away free versions of their developer tools.