Windows Phone 7 Marketplace details unveiled

Microsoft has announced details of its Windows Marketplace for Windows Phone 7 Series, as well as information for developers at MIX 2010.

Mixed in amongst the developer dedicated announcements Microsoft confirmed several features of the updated app marketplace which include support for credit card or carrier billing, a “try before you buy” option, and potentially controversial, ad-funded apps.

Purchased items can be added to your monthly bill, or paid for with a one-off credit card payment, and once complete, the app can then be added to the quick launch option of the OS, saving you a screen press or two.

To add a bit of Windows Phone 7 Series eye-candy to the proceedings Microsoft has replaced the interface with a sleek new “panoramic design”that's integrated throughout the store, and offers a couple of features that we've not previously seen.

In related news; in an interview with EngadgetMobile.com, Microsoft's Tom Biggs has confirmed that the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace will be the only way to get apps onto your 7 Series device. The report does reiterate that business users would be able to distribute apps freely.