Windows Phone Marketplace now has more than 100,000 apps

Microsoft only recently released their Windows Phone 8 operating system, and with that the brand has also taken the opportunity to announce that their Windows Phone Marketplace now has more than 100,000 apps.

Speaking in a blog post, Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore stated that the Windows Phone Marketplace officially hit 100,000 apps and games, a milestone that they have reached faster than Android, and a testament to the thousands of talented developers around the world who have supported Microsoft since its launch. He claims, “Together they deliver more than 200 new titles, on average, each day.” He also goes on to thank the developers and states that Microsoft appreciates their creativity, effort and value they bring to the Windows Phone users.

Joe Belfiore says that to mark this milestone, Microsoft is now announcing a new batch of marquee titles. Microsoft states, “The official Audible app for audiobooks arrives in Marketplace today. Official apps from Chase and PayPal are in the works. Gameloft has Windows Phone versions of Asphalt 7: Heat and N.O.V.A. 3 Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance on the way.”

They go on to say that Nokia is helping deliver the much-requested Zynga games Words with Friends and Draw Something to Windows Phone later this year. In a related post by Nokia, the smartphone manufacturer states, “A fantastic new range of Nokia apps that will add new features and improvements are coming to your Lumia smartphone over the next few weeks.” They go on to add that these apps will be available this week in a phased manner. Some of these apps include Camera Extras, Contact Share, Counters, PlayTo and a Zynga games.

To celebrate the achievement of featuring more than 100,000 apps, Microsoft is offering one the ability to purchase 100,000 apps and counting merchandise from the Windows Phone Gear Store.

Microsoft has not left out talking about how the new OS will benefit developers and they have listed out a few points:

Native code support - Windows Phone 8 has full C and C++ support, making it easier to write apps for multiple platforms more quickly. It also means Windows Phone 8 supports popular gaming middleware, such as Havok Vision Engine, Autodesk Scaleform, Audiokinetic Wwise, and Firelight FMOD, as well as native DirectX-based game development.
In-app payments - In Windows Phone 8 it is now possible for app makers to sell virtual and digital goods within their apps.
Integrated Internet calling - In Windows Phone 8, developers can create VoIP apps that plug into our existing calling feature so Internet calls can be answered like traditional phone calls, using the same calling interface.
Multitasking enhancements - Windows Phone 8 now allows location-based apps, like exercise trackers or navigation aids to run in the background, so they keep working even when one is doing other things on their phone.