Since the launch of Windows Phone 8 in October 2012, Microsoft (MSFT -1.84%) has seen a 100% increase in Windows Phone app downloads and a 140% increase in paid app revenue, the company said in a blog post today.
In addition to the increases, the company said that it will start developer payouts in six new markets: Afghanistan, Iraq, Montenegro, Serbia, Timor-Leste, and Ukraine. Microsoft said that both free and paid apps can be submitted in the new markets and the apps will be sold in 191 markets.
The company also said it's been adding more mobile operator billing partners for its app market, and that its current total of 25 is more than the Google Play app store. Microsoft said app developers earn up to 3 times more per active user when a mobile operator billing partner is used compared to a credit card.
The company said in the blog post that it's been adding additional features to its app store based on developer feedback. Microsoft said a new feature which allows developers to review their app submission will launch soon, although no time frame for the new feature has been set.
