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Microsoft makes move on Asia as Windows Phone Marketplace preps for China, Indonesia and Malaysia

Argentina, Peru and the Philippines also on board

Microsoft makes move on Asia as Windows Phone Marketplace preps for China, Indonesia and Malaysia
The growth of Windows Phone Marketplace continues to serve as the platform's one shining success, with news Microsoft has added support for six new territories coming as the store's app roster flies past the 50,000 mark.

As revealed on the official Windows Phone developer blog, studios working on Microsoft's OS will soon be able to sell their titles in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Argentina and Peru.

Sense to censor

Owing to local restrictions, however, developers looking to target the first three markets will be forced to adhere to regional requirements as detailed by App Hub, such as censoring supposedly sexual content or references to alcohol and "bathroom humour".

"Given the Marketplace is not yet available for customers in these markets and the addition of new requirements, we’re opening the submission process early to give those of you interested in distribution to these markets a head start on certification," said Windows Phone Marketplace senior director Todd Brix on the blog.

"Also included in this release are a number of minor enhancements and bug fixes, including improvements that will streamline the payout process and enhance reporting to provide data like crash counts and exceptions to assist in improving your apps.

"These are a result of your feedback and we'll continue to provide other improvements in each release."

Microsoft will be hoping the addition of smartphone hungry territories such as China, with Windows Phone Marketplace having amassed its last 10,000 apps in under two months.

[source: Microsoft]

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