I’m sure all of you know about the new Metro UI in Windows 8 which is built up mainly from apps. Microsoft demonstrated just how easy it is to build these apps and all the new elements that they add to the Windows operating system. Microsoft also confirmed that the only way to legally get these Windows 8 Metro Apps will be from the Windows 8 App Store.
Is it just me or does this scenario sound familiar? It looks like Microsoft are following Apple here, by limiting where you can get apps for your PC. One of the main reasons people prefer Windows is because it’s so open, anyone can develop an app or program for it and install it. It doesn’t have to go through a long painful certification process which wastes time and money. I can download a program from anywhere on the web, and if a developer feels like charging me for it, I can buy it through them directly.
Now with the Windows 8 App Store, Microsoft will be taking a 30% cut from developers, exactly the same as Apple. I suppose there will be some good things as well though. For example since Microsoft will have to check every single app there’s less chance of having buggy or even dangerous apps. Each app will be examined and checked for any viruses or malware. Microsoft will also be giving you 5 licenses with each download so you can install the app on up to 5 computers in your house, which is good for home users, not so good for developers.
Of course you can also argue that Microsoft deserve a cut, after all it does cost to test all the apps and to store them on the server. Also, while Microsoft did say all this at the Build conference, there’s still a long way to go with Windows 8 and they may change their minds on one or two things between now and the official release.
What do you think of the concept of this Windows 8 App Store? Do you think Microsoft are copying Apple too much?
Let us know in the comments
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