The success of iOS and Android in the smartphone platform market cannot be 100% attributed to their hardware. iOS not withstanding, Android has plenty of budget devices that feature specs that aren’t exactly the most groundbreaking, but at the same time leaving other platforms such as Windows Phone 7, Blackberry OS and webOS choking on the dust.

WP7, Blackberry OS and webOS all have pretty decent hardware, so what could be the contributing factor behind their lack of success? Considering how our phones are centered around our apps, having your device come loaded up with useful native apps definitely helps, along with having a good third party app environment i.e. iTunes App Store and the Android Market.

Nokia probably figured this out and it seems that they have hired Toronto’s Polar Mobile to produce more than 300 media applications over the next 12 months for their upcoming line of Windows Phone 7 devices, along with some apps for Symbian and MeeGo as well. The media apps will consist of content from Wired UK, Kompas, Advertising Age, Globe and Mail, Shanghai Daily and 7DAYS.

The first 50 apps should be up by next month and will be available through Nokia’s Ovi Store. Given that 300 apps pales in comparison to iOS and Android’s app stores, but at least its a start.