The Windows Phone 8 platform is a slow mover, but there are signs that it is catching on with consumers. On Friday, Microsoft announced that the Windows Phone Store has seen double the amount of apps downloaded, and revenue has shot up by 140 percent. 

Of course, this should be seen as great news for app developers who want to make an extra buck or two. It should also give some developers more incentive to support the Windows Phone 8 platform, which would allow for more popular applications entering the Windows Phone Store. This could also be a sign that the platform is gaining acceptance, but not yet on the same level as Android and iOS. 

"We are seeing strong results for the ecosystem since the launch of Windows Phone 8 with more than a 100% increase in app downloads and nearly 140% increase in paid app revenue. Today I have a few enhancements to announce that can help you expand your app distribution reach and revenue opportunities," says the Windows blog. 

If you're an app developer who wants to submit apps to the Windows Phone Store, but your country is not supported, you can worry a lot less now. The blog post claims that developers in Afghanistan, Iraq, Montenegro, Serbia, Timor-Leste and Ukraine are able to get paid, as the Dev Center now supports 122 countries. 

Microsoft also has made it easier for developers to submit apps to the Windows Phone Store; this should make app developers very happy.

It's great to see Microsoft tending to developer interest; it is the only way the Windows Phone Store will attract new developers who will bring exciting things to the platform. Now, if only Instagram will finally be available for Windows Phone 8, and it could happen at the May 14 event Nokia is holding.