Microsoft has published a formal list of application types that will be banned from its forthcoming ‘Windows MarketPlace for Mobile’ application store. The list of 12 prohibited application types include VoIP applications over a mobile operator network, applications larger than 10MB, and software that allows users to shop at rival stores. Also prohibited are applications that change a phone’s default browser, search client or media player, or “replace, remove or modify” the default dialer, SMS, or MMS interface. Other restrictions include regulations around users being required to ‘opt-in’ for applications that concern sharing data such as location information.

Microsoft is scheduled to launch its new application store in the second half of the year. It is likely to launch in conjunction with the next version of its mobile operating system, Windows Mobile 6.5. The store will compete with Apple’s pioneering App Store, which clocked up its 1 billionth download last month and is credited with starting the application store phenomenon when it launched last summer. Since then similar rival stores have been launched by a plethora of mobile industry heavyweights, including Research In Motion and Google (Android). Both Nokia and Palm are scheduled to launch similar stores soon.