Microsoft has Many Requirements for Apps in Marketplace

So that you don't have to, we are poring over all 32 pages of the Marketplace Application Submission Guidelines which stipulates the rules for developers who want to sell their apps on Windows Mobile 6.5's marketplace. Here are some unique ones:

- Apps cannot add a Today-screen element...Microsoft wants to maintain the fidelity of Titanium (sliding panels)

- All apps must pass the Hopper test, which simulates stress to a Windows Mobile device by rapidly sending screentaps and key presses to the device

- Only one instance of an app can run at a time

- Apps cannot force a voice call to be made

- Applications that use full screen mode must be able to be pushed to the background in less than 0.5 seconds

- Software must not assume the device has external storage (microSD, etc)

- Apps should use the default Windows Mobile notification system

- Apps should use the default wait cursor

- Settings must not be changed by app, such as: backlight, time, date, theme colors, Today screen background

- On touchscreen devices, the title of the program must be displayed in the nav bar on top

WMExperts has some additional items for those that want to dig deeper.

Is Microsoft being too strict, or is this level of scrutiny necessary to ensure quality apps are pushed through?