Microsoft: Zune-based Market will be no more

Microsoft is ringing in the changes when it comes to the mobile platform, first by doing away with the option to shop for Windows Phone apps from the Zune PC software. Not only that, Microsoft also intends to increase the outlook of the Marketplace in a broader improvement effort, and will make it compulsory for you to have Windows Phone 7.5 installed on your smartphone before you are able to purchase and download new apps from the Marketplace. Heck, you cannot even update current apps as well if you do not make the Windows Phone 7.5 update. The above does not mean that the Zune HD app store will close, but since many more people do make their app purchases right from the smartphone itself, the Windows Phone apps option is being removed from the Zune software.

A ‘forced’ upgrade for users, so to speak, and I would say that this looks like a necessary move in order to improve overall Marketplace performance and security for the masses. What happens if you do not want to update to Windows Phone 7.5 for personal reasons? Well, browsing through the Marketplace is not a problem, but an error message will pop up whenever you want to install an app or game, or perhaps update a current app on your handset.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: Microsoft, Windows Phone