On the Windows Phone Developers Blog, Microsoft's Todd Brix has announced developers will be able to start submitting their content for the latest version of the platform - dubbed Mango - from August.

Studios have been told to start reviewing their planned price points, as Microsoft is "just about a month away from enabling developers to begin submitting Mango apps to App Hub".

New Markets

Also announced are details of 19 new consumer markets for Windows Phone Marketplace, with a crack at world domination seemingly on the agenda.

New territories include Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, India, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden and Taiwan, adding to the 16 already on the roster.

Developers from 7 new countries - including Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, South Africa and South Korea - can also now submit their titles to the store.

Future focusAs expansive as Microsoft's ambitions for the platform might be, CEO Steve Ballmer hasn't lost sight of the fact Windows Phone is yet to prove itself with consumers in existing markets.

His view that Windows Phone has "gone from very small to very small" hinge the overall success of Windows Phone on the launch of Mango this autumn.

Indeed, the unveiling of four Mango handsets from both new and existing partners, as well as the arrival of Nokia's first devices, signify how important Mango's roll out will be for Microsoft's role in the smartphone market longterm.

[source: Windows Phone Developers Blog]