Back in December, we heard that Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 Marketplace had reached 5,000 apps, and now it looks like Microsoft’s new mobile OS has hit another milestone, with the Marketplace now reaching 10,000 apps.
According to reports from various sources who monitor the number of applications available in the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace, there are now a total of 10,191 applications available.
This is quite a way behind Apple’s iOS App Store and Google’s Android Marketplace, and it looks like it will take Microsoft quite a bit of time to catch up to these. However, the rapid growth in the number of apps is a positive sign for the platform’s future.
The Growth of Windows Phone 7 Marketplace
According to the report, there have been a total of 1,262 applications added to Windows Phone 7 Marketplace over the last two weeks. This indicates a significant increase in developer interest and activity. The most popular category seems to be games, with around 23 percent of all the applications falling into this category. This is not surprising, as mobile gaming has been a major driver of app downloads across all platforms.
In addition to games, other popular categories include productivity apps, social networking, and utilities. These categories are essential for any mobile platform as they provide users with the tools they need for both work and leisure. The diversity in app categories also suggests that developers are seeing potential in the Windows Phone 7 platform and are willing to invest their time and resources into creating apps for it.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the growth is impressive, Microsoft still faces significant challenges in catching up to Apple and Google. Both iOS and Android have a substantial head start, with millions of apps available in their respective stores. Moreover, they have established ecosystems that attract both developers and users, making it difficult for a new entrant to gain a foothold.
However, Microsoft has several opportunities to leverage. For one, the integration of Windows Phone 7 with other Microsoft services like Office, Xbox Live, and OneDrive can provide a unique value proposition that other platforms may not offer. Additionally, Microsoft’s strong presence in the enterprise sector could attract business users who are already familiar with Microsoft’s suite of products.
Another opportunity lies in the potential for cross-platform development. With tools like Xamarin and Microsoft’s own Visual Studio, developers can create apps that run on multiple platforms, including Windows, iOS, and Android. This could make it easier for developers to include Windows Phone 7 in their development plans without significant additional effort.
Moreover, Microsoft’s commitment to regular updates and improvements to the Windows Phone 7 OS can help keep the platform competitive. Features like live tiles, deep integration with social networks, and a user-friendly interface are some of the unique aspects that can attract users.
In conclusion, while the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace is still behind its competitors in terms of the number of apps, the rapid growth and increasing developer interest are promising signs. With strategic focus and leveraging its unique strengths, Microsoft has the potential to carve out a significant share of the mobile OS market. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Windows Phone 7 can sustain its growth and become a viable competitor to iOS and Android.
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
