Microsoft Launches New Web-Based Windows Phone Marketplace

Microsoft rolled out its major Windows Phone 7.5 Mango update today and has also opened the doors to a new web-based Windows Phone Marketplace that's looking rather slick. Perhaps taking a page from Android, Microsoft is allowing users to browse this new web portal and download apps directly to their devices. They've also added a "My Phone" page that lets you easily manage your Xbox Live profile, Windows Live email, SkyDrive, and the Find My Phone feature.

There are currently over 30,000 titles and they are organized under two categories: Apps and Games. Within these two main categories, you can further drill down with other categories on the left side bar, including entertainment, music + video, tools + productivity, and lifestyle, etc. In each of these categories, you can also choose to browse only those that Featured, Free, Top, or New.

Once you find an app you like, you can download the app as well as share it with your friends on Facebook via the Like button or on Twitter via the Tweet button. You can also rate and review apps and try certain paid apps for free.

The overall design of the site is very much in line with Microsoft's clean unifying Metro UI theme and its available now in 35 countries. You can visit the web portal here. If you'd like to find out more about what the Windows Phone 7.5 Mango update has to offer, make sure to check out our Technical Preview.

[via TechnoBuffalo]