Microsoft took big steps to improve and modernize its mobile platform during the past few years. With the successful launch of Windows Phone OS(operating system) which now runs on quite a number of smartphones including the Nokia Lumia, it is now the time to move on without Windows Mobile 6.
Ending the OS application store only means the end of the OS itself. In this case Microsoft recently announced that it will be discontinuing the Windows Marketplace for Windows Mobile 6.x beginning May 9, 2012.
Current Windows Mobile app may continue to work on existing Windows Mobile phones, but users won’t be able to re-download those installed apps and games. However some apps/games may still be available directly from their developers or via third-party Windows Mobile marketplaces.
More details on Windows Mobile can be found here(Wikipedia). Official notice from the Windows Phone Team below:
Windows Marketplace for Mobile 6.x Discontinuation Notice
March 8, 2012
Dear Windows Mobile 6.x customer:
Microsoft is discontinuing the Windows Marketplace for Mobile service for Windows Mobile 6.x. Please review the details below to familiarize yourself with the changes:
Windows Mobile 6.x Marketplace Service To Be Discontinued
Beginning May 9, 2012, the Windows Mobile 6.x Marketplace service will no longer be available. Starting on this date, you will no longer be able to browse, buy or download applications directly on your Windows Mobile 6.x phone using the Windows Mobile 6.x Marketplace application and service.
Applications and games acquired from the Windows Mobile 6.x Marketplace service installed on your Windows Mobile 6.x phone will continue to work after the service is discontinued on May 9, 2012. However, additional downloads of these applications and games from the Windows Mobile 6.x Marketplace service will no longer be available.
Take Action
Microsoft recommends you review the applications or games installed on your Windows Mobile 6.x phone and install any available updates in advance of the Windows Mobile 6.x Marketplace service shut-down on May 9, 2012.
Please note: All phone data, including applications acquired through the Windows Mobile 6.x Marketplace service, data and user-specific settings, will be deleted from your Windows Mobile 6.x phone in the event that your phone is wiped or “hard reset.” Any data on a removable storage card, if present, will also be deleted if your phone is wiped or “hard reset”.
Windows Mobile applications and games that are compatible with Windows Mobile 6.x may still be available directly from their developers or via third-party marketplaces.
Thank you for your continued support of Windows Phone.
-The Windows Phone Team
[Source]- Microsoft Answers
P.s: R.I.P Microsoft Windows Mobile 6
