Recently, Microsoft has launched the Windows Mobile application store where developers in 29 countries can add their software. In addition, the company has announced the “Race to Market Challenge” a contest started for developers that will end with Microsoft offering four touchscreen Microsoft Surface tables to the four winners.

According to ZDnet, all applications, games and widgets are certified in the Windows Marketplace for Mobile before 31 December will be eligible for the contest. The contest will have four prize categories. One such category is the most downloaded freeware, followed by most moneymaking app – calculated by the number of downloads times price, the most useful product and the most playful which will be awarded by a Microsoft panel decision.

The Windows Marketplace for Mobile application storefront will premier on Windows Mobile phones running the 6.5 version of Windows Mobile. According to ZDnet, the store will be the distribution nexus for free and premium Windows Mobile applications.

According to the same publication, Microsoft is expecting submissions from developers in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the UK and the US.