Standard industry feature, says spokesperson

A controversial remote deletion option for the Windows Marketplace is only a failsafe, according to Microsoft. The feature will allow Microsoft to remove applications from any Windows Mobile phone, with or without the consent of owners. A spokesperson clarifies, however, that the command is only intended to cope with apps exhibiting "harmful behavior" or "unforeseen effects."

The person adds that in most cases, an app pulled from the Marketplace will still remain active on a person's phone. Refunds should be available if deletion becomes necessary. The policy is noted to be little different than at other mobile app stores, including Apple's iTunes App Store, or the Google Android Market. Neither Apple nor Google are known to have invoked their killswitches, possibly because of their internal screening processes.

The Windows Marketplace will launch in October, alongside the introduction of Windows Mobile 6.5.

By Electronista Staff