Windows Mobile users are likely to be most interested in some of the name-brand applications that Microsoft plans to announce at the conference. Despite Microsoft's financial stake in Facebook, there is not yet an official Facebook application for Windows Mobile phones. That will change in four to six weeks, when a Facebook application will become available for current Windows Mobile users. Facebook also plans to release an application for the future Windows Mobile 6.5 software, Woodman said.

Microsoft will announce a list of other companies that have committed to contributing applications to the Marketplace, including EA Sports, Zagat, Namco and Accuweather.

MySpace expects to release an application in a few months for the existing platform, and will also offer one for Windows Mobile 6.5, he said.

Woodman also commented on some of the buzz among developers over fees they'll be required to pay to contribute to the Windows Mobile Marketplace. Developers must register for US$99, and that will cover the submission of five applications to the store. Additional applications or application upgrades will cost $99 each, Woodman said.

"We're trying to make sure the equity involved is fair between the ISVs and us," he said. When independent software vendors submit applications for the store, Microsoft will test them to make sure they meet the requirements of the store, and that process takes resources, he said. iPhone and Android developers pay a one-time $99 or $25 fee, respectively, and can submit or upload as many applications and updates as they want.