Windows Phone Marketplace for Windows Phone 7

At MIX10 show in Las Vegas, Microsoft announced the Windows Marketplace Mobile app store will be getting a refresh in Windows Phone 7 series. Like the latest mobile operating system, the Marketplace is going to be pretty. Like any app store, you’ll be able to see a wide view of categories and there are smooth-looking transition animations when you want to see the price, screen shots and other details of an application.

Microsoft is revealing some of its app launch partners and for the most part the names are pretty familiar. Here are some of the most familiar ones: Pandora, Fandango, Foursquare, the Associated Press, Seesmic, Shazam, EA Mobile and Sling will have apps supposedly ready to go when the phones become available. Netfllix will also have an app available and you’ll be able to stream your Netflix movies over the phone via Sliverlight. What’s nice is that you’ll be able to try out the apps before you buy.

If a developer wants to post a free, ad-supported app, the only two hurdles are the $99 fee and approval by Microsoft. For ad-supported apps specifically, the company will also have guidelines specifically targeted at making sure the ads are appropriate.Regarding transactions, Microsoft is using actual currency and not a points system a la Microsoft Points, with an opportunity for direct carrier billing possible.