Windows Marketplace for Mobile is due to launch in a few weeks and there has been some speculation as to whether Microsoft would have the ability to remotely remove applications from handsets if the need arises. This is something that Apple and Google already do in their versions of their market places and to be honest wouldn’t have been suprising. Microsoft’s presentation at the Tech-Ed New Zealand conference said “In the event an application is approved but later pulled, Microsoft can automatically wipe the app from any phone that downloaded the app”. No mention has been made on whether there would be refunds for paid apps that have subsequently been pulled.
In the presentation, Microsoft also reaffirmed it’s ban against certain apps including those that replace “core functionality” as well as rejecting mapping and navigational software from its store. Microsoft did note that they will continue to let users download and install Windows Mobile apps from outside the Marketplace.
