Whilst Microsoft and their Windows Phone 7 Marketplace have a long way to go to catch up with Apple’s iOS store and Google’s Android Marketplace, the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace has hit another milestone, it now has over 20,000 apps available to download.
It took Microsoft 219 days to reach 20,000 apps in the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace, this compares to 215 days for Apple to reach 20,000 apps and 419 days for Google’s Android.
Out of the 20,000 apps available in the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace, around 50 percent are free apps, and the majority of the paid applications retail for around $0.99. The most popular category is games, which is not surprising given the increasing demand for mobile gaming experiences.
Comparing App Store Growth
The growth trajectory of the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace is quite interesting when compared to its competitors. While Apple took 215 days to reach the 20,000 app milestone, Google’s Android took a significantly longer 419 days. This indicates that Microsoft is making substantial progress in a relatively short period. However, it’s important to note that both Apple and Google had a head start and a more established user base when they launched their app stores.
Microsoft’s strategy to attract developers includes offering competitive revenue shares and providing robust development tools. The company has also been actively engaging with the developer community through various events and online forums. This proactive approach is likely to pay off in the long run, as a strong developer community is crucial for the success of any app marketplace.
The Role of Free Apps and Games
Free apps make up about 50 percent of the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace, which is a significant proportion. Free apps are often supported by ads or offer in-app purchases, providing developers with multiple revenue streams. This model has proven successful on other platforms and is likely to be a key factor in the growth of the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace.
Games are the most popular category, which aligns with global trends in mobile app usage. Popular games like “Angry Birds” and “Fruit Ninja” have already made their way to the Windows Phone 7 platform, attracting a large number of users. The focus on gaming is a smart move by Microsoft, as it taps into a lucrative and ever-growing market.
Microsoft has a long way to go to catch up with Apple and Google, although we suspect when the new WP7 Mango update and the Nokia Windows Phone 7 devices are released, we will see a lot more developers developing apps for Windows Phone 7. The Mango update promises to bring a host of new features, including improved multitasking, enhanced live tiles, and better integration with social networks. These features are likely to make the platform more attractive to both users and developers.
Nokia’s partnership with Microsoft is another significant factor that could boost the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace. Nokia’s extensive experience in the mobile industry and its global reach could help Microsoft gain a larger market share. The first Nokia Windows Phone 7 devices are highly anticipated and could be a game-changer for the platform.
Take a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you.
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