Microsoft’s app store is on the way and we’ll be curios to see if it will be able to outperform Apple’s store. So far we’ve heard mixed news about Marketplace and we’d have to see the actual store to make our own mind. News about it keep coming in and today we have more info about the sharing policy for application purchased from the Marketplace for Mobile. It looks like Microsoft will allow buyers to install the apps on up to five phones. Say you reset your phone, then you will be able to reinstall your favorite Windows Mobile apps at no cost. An other scenario has you sharing the application with four more people. That’s great for us, but what about the developers. Don’t they lose money?

Well here’s what Microsoft says about the whole sharing situation:

Microsoft knows the frustration of losing favorite apps and personal information when you lose, upgrade, or add a phone. For this reason, if you buy an application on Windows Marketplace for Mobile, you’ll be able to reinstall the application on a limited number of additional phones simply and free of charge. As outlined in the terms of use for Windows Marketplace for Mobile, this ability is limited to phones owned by the person who purchased the application. Application sharing is not permitted. We believe people will find a high value in mobile applications they purchase through the Windows Marketplace, and we will also be offering a refund policy that will make it easier to shop for applications with confidence.

So there you have it folks. Microsoft Says NO to application sharing… Everyone should buy their own apps!

Tags: applications, marketplace, microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, Mobile Software, sharing, software, Windows Mobile

Kensington unveiled its new sd200v notebook docking station with video, allowing users to connect speakers, VGA display and up to five USB peripherals to their laptops. The dock essentially enables multi-monitor computing, letting you use both the laptop display and a secondary display saving space on your desktop. The USB connectivity lets you connect a bigger keyboard/mouse (unless you use the Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave keyboard/mouse combo).

The sd200v falls in Kensington’s Connect It line of notebook accessories. It also features the SmartFit adjustment system that lets you achieve an optimal monitor height in seconds.

It is available for pre-order at Amazon.com and Kensington’s website starting today. Later this month other major retailers will be carrying it. Priced at US $139.99. Check out the extended entry for more specs and features.

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Tags: Accessories, desktop saver, docking station, kensington, Laptops, sharing, usb, video

Check out this convenient, this portable device that lets you share USB 2.0 devices over your existing Wi-Fi infrastructure. The U2S-2A USB 2.0 Server from Keyspan solves the problem of sharing USB 2.0 devices among several other devices. Each computer will think that the USB device is connected is available exclusively to it.

Compatible with both Windows and Mac platforms, this is especially useful when you want to share something like a USB printer or scanner. The USB Server features two USB 2.0 ports, and an RJ45 Ethernet connector. It supports static/DHCP/ZeroConfig IP addressing.

Ideal for your home or small business, the Keyspan USB 2.0 Server is priced at US $129 and is now available. It is compatible with Windows Vista too.

Keyspan

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Tags: home, home office, portable device, Portable Devices, sharing, usb, WiFi