Microsoft now accepting smartphone apps for its Windows Marketplace

Today Microsoft announced that it is now accepting application submissions for the Windows Marketplace smartphone application store that will go live this fall when Windows Mobile 6.5 becomes available. Developers can learn more by visiting the Windows Mobile for Developers site.

Microsoft also announced that it will be sponsoring a contest called The Race to Market Challenge that will offer winning developers prizes like a developer edition of the Microsoft Surface touchscreen table used by companies like AT&T in its flagship showrooms. More information will be available later today at the official contest website.