Its official, Microsoft has announced that the Windows Phone Marketplace is now available in Malaysia and four other countries – Argentina, Indonesia, Peru, and the Philippines.
Where previously Windows Phone users in Malaysia could only download free apps from the Marketplace, it is now possible to purchase apps as well. For users to have access to paid apps, they must have their devices updated to Windows Phone 7.5 (for update instructions see here).
Microsoft says the Marketplace may take a few hours to be fully activated in all regions and not all apps may be available right away. Developers are encouraged to make their existing apps available in these new countries.
With the addition of the five new countries, the Windows Phone Marketplace is now in 41 markets globally. Since December, the Windows Phone Marketplace boast a collection of 50,000 apps but the whole gamut might not be available for Malaysian users because apps submitted for Malaysia, Indonesia and China are subject to additional requirements due to local regulations.
A quick check on the Windows Phone Marketplace website reveals that the new countries are not yet listed at time of posting this article.
Windows Phone users, we’d like to hear from you. Let us know how the purchasing experience is. Send in screenshots too if you’re keen. Thanks!
