Windows Marketplace now available for Windows Mobile 6.0 and 6.1

Long before Windows Marketplace launched on Windows Mobile 6.5 as Microsoft’s answer to the App-Store-Craze, we knew it would be extended down into Windows Mobile 6.0 and 6.1 – the only question was “When?” The answer, it seems, is today.

Microsoft has just announced that the Marketplace is available to 6.0 and 6.1 users beginning immediately. To get the download started, WinMo users need only to visit: http://mp.windowsphone.com/.

As it currently stands, the Windows Marketplace offers up just over 800 apps – 90% of which ought to play friend with Windows 6.0/6.1, says Microsoft. That’s a drop in the bucket compared to the numbers the competition is touting, but considering that its grown by about 300% since the Marketplace launched right around a month ago, it certainly seems like there’s some momentum there.

A bit less exciting, but perhaps worth mentioning: Microsoft has announced that it has plans to go on the offensive, with a “multi-faceted online marketing campaign” built to ensure the people of the Internets “are aware of all the high quality applications that our developers have made available”. I can only hope that this means there will be more ridiculous themed parties.