Windows Marketplace for Mobile is getting a more definitive release date of November, rather than by the end of the year date that we heard from Microsoft earlier. According to the official Microsoft blog, the launch will be split into two phases, the initial phase for Windows Mobile 6.5 on October 6, and the second phase to bring Marketplace for Mobile to Windows Mobile 6 and 6.1, as well as a number of planned security features:

First, we’ll launch Windows Marketplace for Mobile with Windows phones on October 6th. We’ve also discussed following this launch with an update that will include support for Windows Mobile 6 and 6.1 by the end of the year. More specifically, we’re targeting November for phase two. In addition, this second phase will bring the PC based catalog and shopping experience, user generated app reviews, advanced key-based anti-piracy protection and other enhancements that expand your business opportunity and make it easier for a larger number of customers to find and buy your application.

(via: WMPowerUser and Windows Team Blog)