Microsoft has announced that users in over 180 countries will be able to browse and download Windows Phone 8 apps, when the mobile operating system releases later this year. (
See:
Microsoft previews Windows Phone 8; out later this year)
At present, Windows Phone Marketplace is accessible in only 63 countries, so the jump represents an almost 300% increase. Apple recently expanded its App Store to 32 more countries, bringing the total number to 155 countries. As a contrast, customers in 132 countries can download paid apps from Google Play, with free apps accessible from 190 countries.
Microsoft also confirmed that it will be revamping the Windows Marketplace in time for Windows Phone 8 launch. Microsoft had recently announced that the
Marketplace had crossed the 100,000 app milestone. App Hub, which developers can use to submit their apps to the Marketplace, will also be "rebuilt from the ground up to be more robust and scalable". Developers will benefit from faster certification and publishing times, better reporting options, and other benefits.