Microsoft has updated its Windows Phone developer app hub to include a number of new changes.

The new App Hub includes an updated layout, developer crash reports and a private beta marketplace. The private marketplace allows developers to distribute their applications using a URL. The applications will then be available to other Windows Phone users, including non-developer unlocked devices.

The new feature could also hint at Microsoft’s plans for business distribution of applications. A number of businesses have raised concerns at having to publish their line of business apps in Microsoft’s Marketplace. The infrastructure is now available to privately load applications so it’s possible that Microsoft may expand this to allow businesses to privately manage their application suites.

Microsoft’s developer crash reports will show how many times a particular application has crashed. The count is available alongside the lifecycle part of an application. Microsoft has also updated its developer validation methods according to one post by a Microsoft employee. Individual Windows Phone developers no longer have to validate themselves through the lengthy GeoTrust process. Personal developers simply have to register a credit card number to become validated.

Microsoft’s App Hub updates are intended to work with Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) which will be available later this year.

Update: The Microsoft employee who published details about Microsoft’s GeoTrust process change has since removed his post (available here). WinRumors is checking with Microsoft to confirm whether this is accurate or not.