Microsoft's App Store Rounding Into ShapeMicrosoft's App Store Rounding Into Shape

Microsoft's answer to Apple's App Store is coming closer to fruition, and the software giant said its Windows Marketplace for Mobile will begin accepting application submissions July 27.

While Microsoft's over-the-air program store may not get the buzz that the App Store for the iPhone and iPod Touch gets, there is still a sizable audience of Windows Mobile users. Microsoft is looking to make the platform more attractive by having its app store work with older versions of the software, which means developers will potentially be able to reach more than 30 million Windows Mobile users.

"We’re already working with a wide range of leading developers for both business and consumer applications and will soon be able to make available a new wave of applications that will be ready for download when Windows Marketplace launches with Windows Mobile 6.5 in the fall," Microsoft wrote in a blog post. " To make things a little more interesting, later this month we’ll also be announcing the details of a developer contest that will kick off at launch."

The store will have apps that focus on games, entertainment, social networking, and productivity enhancement. Microsoft has created a "Business Center" category that should make it easy for mobile professionals to find enterprise-grade programs.

Microsoft will be the last major player to offer its smartphone customers a centralized way to browse, buy, download, and install apps over the air. While mobile apps have been around for years from the likes of Handango, the market really took off when Apple launched its App Store about a year ago. Since then, rivals like Google, Research In Motion, Palm, Nokia, and LG Electronics have launched similar virtual stores.

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