The Windows Mobile 6.5 Application store is in serious trouble, right out of the gate. If you live in the Netherlands, for example, and were anxiously awaiting the release of the WinMo 6.5 App store prepare to be disappointed. It turns out that you have a whole two applications that are open for download and use. Count them again Netherlands, two.
This stems from an attempt by Microsoft to prevent apps from being constantly used in a foreign (and therefore unknown) language. But instead of executing intelligent and effective quality control, Microsoft has effectively disenfranchised most of the world from most of the application in the 6.5 store.
You can almost hear the snickering over the launch of an App store that only lets you download De Telegraaf and Rain Radar. Nothing against those applications, it’s the selection that is pathetic.
This all comes from a rule from Microsoft that states that for an application to be offered in a certain country, it must be translated into the local language. Vincent Verweij from the Makayama software company made it plain what he thought of the ruling: “Spreken we soms geen Engels in Nederland?’ If your Dutch is rusty, he is effectively decrying the fact that the Dutch do speak English, thank you very much, and should thus be able to access all applications written in English.
Sadly, this ruling hardly just affects the Netherlands, but all non-US web shops. The US may think that it is the center of the universe, but there are many, many more mobile users abroad than on the home shores of Microsoft. This is a global embarrassment.
All of this casts doubt on the ability of Microsoft to build an app store to compete on the same playing field as the iTunes App store for the iPhone and iTouch. The methods that Apple takes with its App store can be bemoaned at every point, but at least they allow applications to be global. Do not speak the language, then do not download the applications. To Microsoft, that is just too much for the consumer to handle.
Look for this ridiculous rule to be tossed out soon.
Where do you see Buienradar I only have De Telegraaf, Facebook and MS apps (live, tag, my phone)
This is typical behavior of the larger US tech companies. Apple doesn’t allow me (living in the Netherlands) to browse the iTunes store in English either.
The companies seem to forget that in a country like the Netherlands about 20% doesn’t even speak or read Dutch and do depend on English.
Well it’s an easy way of reducing your target market with 20%… Who wants to do that in the current economic climate?
I had read about Microsoft’s stance about 10 years ago- I don’t recall the incident that provoked the decision, but it had to do with an translation in a software program that was not culturally respectful. But fast-forward 10 years, and the world population is geographically blurred. If you haven’t found a way to present your product to a world audience, you better ramp it up. This comes on the news that Apple has 85K apps available and just passed 2 billion downloads.
maybe it’s time to look at other less well known mobile application stores? Pocketbrand helps you sell mobile applications, no fee, with over 200+ mobile carriers! I think there would be more stuff over there…
The domain http://www.MobileAppStore.com is now for sale.
What do you think about the current bid?
I have to say that I agree, sadly. I am based in and am from the US, and the arrogance that comes from here can be embarrassing.
Well Alex,
Leave the country… We don’t need people like you in it.
Go to Canada
I think that I catch your drift, odd that it is.