With its business increasingly focused on building up Windows Phone, Microsoft has announced it is to close the official app marketplace tied to its predecessor, Windows Mobile 6.

The firm has contacted consumers and developers alike, informing them that support for the store will be discontinued on May 9, with all purchases suspended.

Get prepared

"We are sharing our Windows Mobile 6.x Marketplace plan with you in advance so that you can make thoughtful preparations," Microsoft said in a statement to studios, with additional updates or downloads for apps also no longer supported.

Developers haven't been able to submit new apps to the marketplace since June, although Microsoft has claimed both analytics reporting and developer payouts will continue, presumably for as long as they're required.

Consumers and developers alike are now being encouraged to make the switch to Microsoft's smartphone platform Windows Phone, which boasts more than 70,000 apps according to numbers published by All About Windows Phone.

[source: Engadget]