Windows Phone 7 Rockets Out Of The Gate With 2000 Apps

Windows Phone 7 is the slickest new mobile phone operating system to come to market since the iPhone.  And as I wrote last month, it's got quite a few legs up on the iPhone.  But what matters to buyers today are apps.  And to my surprise, Windows Phone 7 has them in spades.

Data from retailers shows the phones are not flying off the shelves, but the seem to be doing ok. (Anecdotal sales reports here and conflicting data on shortages here)  And with 2,000 apps to get the user started, it's a pretty good selection.  Developers need another mobile platform like they need a hole in the head, but there's no arguing with the huge investment Microsoft has made and the impressive start.

Who might lose on this?  I'm thinking HP (Palm) developers could feel squeezed out as could Symbian developers, who are probably giving up anyway.  In the future, Android and iPhone are platforms that will definitely survive.  12 months ago you could have been certain that RIM would survive too, but that looks less like a certainty today (though still likely).

For developers, that leaves Palm, Windows, and Symbian as the "runners up".  Unlike HP or Nokia, Microsoft, at least, has shown they are prepared to bribe developers to make apps if necessary.  And with 50 million+ XBOX users, games, which are the top apps for most platforms, could keep developers and users engaged.

All so much speculation.  If I had an unlimited personal budget, I'd buy an Android Tablet and a Windows Phone 7 as well.  But I don't.  So I'm sticking with the iPhone for the moment.  But just for the moment.

Windows Phone 7 Screen Shot - From Microsoft