Developers appear to be embracing the new OS and the number of apps is steadily growing. The Windows Phone Marketplace currently lists more than 25,000 applications, a major improvement over 18,000 listed in May and a meagre 4,000 in December. Despite the positive trend, WP7 is still a long way behind Android and Apple in terms of app availability.
This is a very positive development for Redmond and potential consumers. In fact, some Windows Phone 7 handsets are nothing short of bargains and you can get a very nice device such as the HTC 7 Trophy for under €200.
Analysts now project that Windows Phone will manage to seize about 17 percent of the smartphone market next year. Android and iOS share also expected to increase by 2 and 1 percent respectively, at the expense of Symbian and Blackberry.
More here.