On the eve of CTIA 2009, Microsoft announced new applications for Windows Mobile 6.5 as well as new partners for its upcoming Windows Marketplace for Mobile.
Resulting applications will provide new and unique gaming, social networking, media, utility and personal productivity experiences for the next generation of Windows phones. Windows Marketplace for Mobile, available later this year, provides another venue for people to get the applications they want the way they want, right on their phone.
Microsoft is also focusing more on social networking. A Facebook application for Windows phones will be available for free in April. A MySpace one will follow later this summer (and will be preloaded on LG Electronics phones).
Among the new partners planning to offer software on the Windows Marketplace are Pandora, Gameloft, EA Mobile, Ilium Software Inc., Sling Media Inc., SBSH Mobile Software, and Spb Software. Many of these already offer products for devices such as the BlackBerry, iPhone and Palm.
Microsoft also announced that new designer themes are coming to Windows phones. Fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi is already on board to design the first exclusive themes. People will also be able to create their own themes using a new Theme Generator that will allow users to set background images and select colours for the navigation bar, scroll bar and highlighted text. Completed themes will then be sent to their phone.