Developers: Mango App Submissions start on August 22nd, App Hub changes detailed now (Update)

Yesterday an App Hub update began to roll out globally and we spotted quite a few new features. However, everyone was confused as to why Microsoft hadn't bothered detailing what's new but now Todd Brix has come to give us all the details. Here's the quick lowdown (for the rest of the details hit the source link below):

• Geographic Expansion: 19 new consumer markets, 7 new developer markets (with China on the way and India to be expanded), App Hub localization, Updated price tiers, in-app Microsoft Advertising market expansion.
• New Private Distribution Methods: Beta Distribution (must be pre-certified, limited to 100 users) and Targeted Distribution (published app that is invisible in the public Marketplace, unlimited number of users, shared through deep-links).
• Enhanced application management: Better application management, Enhanced developer dashboard, More detailed reporting, New ‘Crash Count’ report, Streamlined application submission process, New App Categories.

Finally, Brix also dropped a bombshell on us that we weren't expecting to hear: Mango app submissions to the Marketplace will begin in August! Microsoft will also be unleashing Windows Phone Release Candidate (RC) tools later which will be required for those wanting to submit their apps. We know all of you developers been working tirelessly to bring your tropical-flavored apps up to snuff, and now it's time to kick things into high gear for the rest of the month. This also implies that we could very well see new Mango hardware sometime in August, which is exactly what we've heard about the Fujitsu IS12T. It's all coming together folks.

Update: Joe Belfiore himself just mentioned through his Twitter account that Mango app submissions begin specifically on August 22nd! There's the date people, now get to it!

Source: Windows Phone Developer Blog