Buy a Linux powered PDA directly from Microsoft windows marketplace!

Microsoft expands the windows marketplace adding software and hardware for windows mobile devices. In its software collection there are around 5000 titles for windows mobiles, and about 876 pocket pc devices and pocket pc mobiles in its hardware collection.

The weird thing about the new and updated Windows Marketplace is that although the site is dedicated to “a world of products that work with windows”, if you browse through the PDA section you will see NOKIA 770 internet tablet. The Nokia 770 internet tablet is a Linux powered device and it is suppose to be one of the biggest competitors of pocket pc’s running windows operating system.

Windows Marketplace includes a “fully integrated digital locker”.

Microsoft is working closely with a variety of delivery partners, such as Digital River Inc., Protexis Inc., Handango Inc., IGN Entertainment, Kagi, asknet AG, Softwrap, eSellerate and Tucows Inc. to make software available in the digital locker. The digital locker lowers the barrier to entry for smaller ISVs that have difficulty getting their products in front of the right audience. Selling software to Windows customers via download cuts out the costs associated with product packaging and shipping. The technology also enables customers to store product keys online, track their purchase history, and immediately download any purchases. Software purchased can also be backed up on CDs or DVDs for use with additional PCs.
Read press release here…

“We are pleased to be working with Microsoft to bring together some of the industry’s leading software publishers and digital technologies, and deliver consumers a large collection of popular downloadable software titles,” said Tom Venable, senior vice president of Retail Sales at Digital River. “The Windows Marketplace has created a natural showcase for brand-name software and digital software delivery. For publishers this translates to added product exposure. For consumers, it means a quality online shopping experience and added convenience.”