Microsoft Marketplace to allow app sharing

Once again a trend set by the iPhone is being expanded upon by its competitors, this time Windows Mobile and its forthcoming Windows Marketplace.

Microsoft has stated that its customers will be able to share purchased applications with up to five friends, though it's presumably as much for the benefit of anyone who owns more than one Windows Mobile powered handset.

iPhone applications are tied to an iTunes account, and can be shared in a more restricted manner amongst devices synced to that account.

The Marketplace system will allow more flexibility, and could help to promote both the applications and the distribution system through a viral exchange of software between users (though applications, bought or swapped, are expected to be linked to Live accounts to help combat piracy).

Nokia announced a similar intention with N-Gage games yesterday, which are currently linked to a specific device and cannot currently be transferred.