Microsoft reveals list of countries getting Windows Phone 8
The list is a dramatic increase over the 38 markets from which developers had access in the marketplace's previous version.
After last week's deluge of information about the next iteration of Microsoft's new mobile operating system, the company is letting additional details trickle out. Microsoft revealed last week that Windows 8 Phone will be available in 180 countries when it launches later this year, but it didn't tell us which countries that would be -- until now.
In a company blog post today, the software giant released the list of every country that will have access to Windows Phone 8 Marketplace and the App Hub app submission portal when devices featuring the forthcoming mobile operating system arrive. The total of 180 is a huge increase over the 38 markets from which developers had access in the marketplace's previous version.
With Windows Phone 8 we're dramatically expanding our footprint around the globe. Consumers will be able to browse and download apps in more than 180 countries at launch--roughly three times the 63 markets served today. Developers, meanwhile, will be able to submit apps to those same markets via App Hub, up from 38 markets.
The company re-iterated that Windows Phone 8 will feature in-app purchasing. "In addition to what you earn from advertising or app sales, you can also now sell virtual goods and services within the app," Windows Phone executive Todd Brix said in the post.
Here is the list. Click on the image for a larger version. Brix cautions that some names on the list may change.
