Want WinMo Apps? HandMark Launches WinMo Apps StoreWant WinMo Apps? HandMark Launches WinMo Apps Store

If you're interested in loading your Windows Mobile phone up with applications and don't want to wait until Redmond rolls out the Windows Mobile Marketplace, HandMark has your back. Its new HandMarket Apps for Windows Mobile boasts over 50,000 pieces of content.This is rich. Months before Microsoft will begin offering its own Windows Mobile Marketplace, HandMark wants to be sure you know that apps are already available for Windows Mobile smartphones. What's more, the applications available from HandMark will work with Windows Mobile 6.0, 6.1 and 6.5. The Windows Mobile Marketplace will only work with Windows Mobile 6.5 (when it becomes available).

According to HandMark, it has lots to offer. It claims that all applications are vetted to be sure they work with WinMo devices -- including touch-enabled phones. The type of content available includes applications, games, ringtones, wallpapers and more, totaling 50,000 bits of stuff for your phone.

Users can browse by most popular, featured and new releases and also drill down by category or search to find specific applications. App info pages have screenshots, reviews, ratings and thumbnails.

The store offers several payment methods. It accepts credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and American Express), and also supports carrier billing for Alltel, AT&T and Sprint. The store also offers free apps and subscription-based apps.

Will HandMark's store be as successful as Microsoft's? Probably not, but it certainly fills a gap. HandMark has long offered apps for mobile devices. In fact, I made my first mobile app purchases from HandMark years ago to load stuff onto a Palm Treo 650.

In you're a Windows Mobile user and aching for apps, be sure to check out HandMarket Apps.