Microsoft to Open App Store: Windows Marketplace for Mobile

As part of their Mobile World Congress press conference with Steve Ballmer, Microsoft announced their new operating system Windows Mobile 6.5  which will have Windows Marketplace for Mobile.

The Windows Marketplace for Mobile will allow searching, browsing and purchasing mobile applications from Windows phones or from a PC by  using a Windows Live ID.

The new marketplace will be included with all Windows phones based on Windows Mobile 6.5, which will help consumers to easily find, install and experience those applications that fit their needs and make the phone truly personal.

Developers, who have already built over 20,000 applications for Windows phones, will be able to offer applications to customers through the marketplace via a simple security and compatibility check from Microsoft.

Windows Mobile 6.5 has a new honeycomb look and is more "Zune-like."  Microsoft also showcased Windows Mobile Phones.