In March, Microsoft sent emails to the remaining owners of Windows Mobile-based smartphones, alerting them that the Windows Mobile 6.x Marketplace would shut down its operations on Wednesday, May 9th. Now it looks like Windows Mobile users will get a few more days to download any more apps they want from the Marketplace.
PPCGeeks reports that Microsoft has sent a new email to Windows Mobile owners, informing them that the Windows Mobile 6.x Marketplace will now shut down on May 17th; no reason was given for the change in the date.
Even with the extension, it still means that Windows Mobile users will no longer be able to download or update any of their smartphone"s applications from that online store in less than two weeks. Microsoft is recommending that Windows Mobile users check their previously downloaded apps for any updates before May 17th. Users of those devices are also advised to download any additional apps they may want to access from the Marketplace service before that date.
Obviously, Microsoft is moving away from supporting Windows Mobile. The company decided to revamp their smartphone OS when it launched Windows Phone 7 in 2010. Microsoft is also working on the next major Windows Phone update, code-named Apollo, that"s due to be launched sometime before the end of 2012.