Microsoft announced a series of updates to its Windows Phone Marketplace application storefront, most notably slashing fees associated with the app submission process. In conjunction with their annual registration fee of $99, Windows Phone developers can now submit an unlimited number of premium applications as well as five free apps--any additional free app submissions will be charged $19.99 each. When Microsoft first opened the former Windows Marketplace for Mobile last year, the $99 registration fee encompassed just five total applications, with each additional app submission charged another $99.
Other Windows Phone Marketplace updates include an optional push notification service to improve developer engagement with consumers, an optional Trial API, a worldwide distribution option spanning across all available Marketplace markets, and an expanded range of business models including free, paid, premium and ad-funded. Microsoft adds it will continue to split revenues 70/30 with developers, with monthly payouts for developers earning more than $200 worldwide.
For more on the Windows Phone Marketplace changes:
- read this Windows Blog entry
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