Microsoft allows developers to submit Windows Phone 7.1 Mango applications

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER Microsoft has started to certify applications for its upcoming Windows Phone 7.1 (WP 7.1) operating system, codenamed Mango.

Microsoft released a beta WP 7.1 software development kit weeks ago but since then it has made a few enhancements, which includes a 'Go Live' license that allows developers to publish applications to the Windows Phone Marketplace. However until today Microsoft wasn't accepting WP 7.1 applications for certification, the final step required before developers find their hard work presented to the audience of Windows Phone 7 users.

Microsoft's Todd Brix said that games developers can also now submit titles for certification in the games category. Initially Microsoft had asked games developers to submit under different categories, but now games developers can submit directly using the games category.

With Microsoft starting to populate the Windows Phone Marketplace with WP 7.1 applications, it's a sure sign that the update is not far away. Brix even urges developers to submit their applications now to be in time for "the new wave of Mango phones".

Microsoft will need a healthy library of applications if it wants to compete with Apple and Google. Until now Windows Phone 7 has been something of a sales disappointment, and Microsoft hopes that WP 7.1 will generate enough interest to finally start increasing Microsoft's pitiful smartphone marketshare.

Brix claimed that the final release of the WP 7.1 SDK will arrive in September.