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Windows Phone 7 outpacing webOS as marketplace tops 5,000 apps

That's around 50 new apps a day

Windows Phone 7 outpacing webOS as marketplace tops 5,000 apps
Less than a month since Windows Marketplace for Windows Phone 7 passed its last milestone – 4,000 apps in little over five weeks – CNN reports its total now tops 5,000.

It's certainly not a number that's likely to worry either Apple or Google, with the latest figure equating to around 50 new apps every day, but it does mean Microsoft's new platform has already matched the number of apps amassed by HP's webOS, and is a third of the way to catching up with BlackBerry App World.

The app equation

A healthy roster of apps will, of course, be vital to Microsoft if it intends Windows Phone 7 to take on both iPhone and Android at the top table.

Earlier in December, the firm revealed shipments to retail in the platform's first six weeks had totalled 1.5 million unit – not a stellar encroachment on its rival's market share, especially when you consider sales to consumers are as of yet unknown, but nonetheless far from a soft launch in terms of Microsoft's intent.

Speculation suggests key updates to the platform are scheduled to launch in 2011, including what could be a series of updates at the start of the year.

[source: Apple Insider]

With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.