Microsoft Talks Higher Priced Apps, Mango, Face-Recognition?

Developers who decide to charge more for their apps have the support of Microsoft. Microsoft believes that supporting higher app prices will lead to better quality apps for the Marketplace. “If we can support a higher price point that’s good for developers.” said Brandon Watson, director of an apps developer program for Microsoft.

While the truth is that having higher prices in the Marketplace would put more pressure on the developers to make a quality application, I don’t see people so willing to fork over their hard earned bucks. In fact, I think it will anger consumers. People may decide to buy an Android device over WP7 due to the costliness of the applications. Granted people who are willing to pay premium price for their apps will be completely satisfied.

In order for this higher priced app thing to really work, they have to make sure that developers not only come out with exclusive apps for Windows Phone 7 but that the apps are so innovative that there is no choice where to get the best apps. We should begin to see some of this innovation manifest itself with the Mango update.

Many new features are expected on WP7 with the Mango update.

Further features beyond those already introduced, such as face-recognition software and voice dictation for messages, will be announced in the coming weeks for the fall release, code- named Mango, Watson said.

What do you think about Microsofts’ choice to defend the higher priced apps?  Face-recognition software?