Anyone who is still using a Windows Mobile phone in the 6.x range should be getting an email today which details the process Microsoft is taking to finally shut down that mobile marketplace.
In the email Microsoft gives some advice to users to help with the shut down process.
Here is what I received this morning:
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.
Last October Microsoft discontinued the MyPhone service for Windows Mobile 6.x handsets and looked like they had planned to shut down the marketplace for these phones last year but that decision was apparently delayed based on this email and new shut down date.
Is anyone still out there on Windows Mobile 6.x handsets?
