We have been hearing quite a bit about Microsoft’s Windows 8 app store over the last few months, and now Microsoft has announced that they will preview their new software store tomorrow, the 6th of December.
The Microsoft Windows Software Store won’t actually launch until Microsoft releases Windows 8 next year, which is rumored to launch around the fall of 2012.

Anticipation and Features of the Windows 8 App Store
It will be interesting to see what the Microsoft app store, or software store, is like, and we wonder how similar it will be to Apple’s app store, and whether Microsoft will offer developers a similar share of the revenue as Apple does. The Windows 8 app store is expected to feature a wide range of applications, from productivity tools to entertainment apps, catering to both individual users and businesses.
Microsoft has been known for its robust ecosystem of software, and the app store is likely to integrate seamlessly with other Microsoft services such as Office 365, OneDrive, and Azure. This integration could provide a significant advantage for users who are already embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem, offering a unified experience across different devices and services.
Developer Opportunities and Revenue Sharing
One of the critical aspects that developers will be keen to know is the revenue-sharing model. Apple’s App Store offers developers a 70/30 split, where developers take 70% of the revenue, and Apple takes 30%. It remains to be seen if Microsoft will adopt a similar model or offer more favorable terms to attract developers to its platform. Given the competitive nature of app stores, Microsoft might consider offering a higher revenue share to entice developers to create exclusive content for Windows 8.
Additionally, Microsoft has a history of providing robust development tools and support. The company’s Visual Studio and .NET framework are widely used and respected in the developer community. By leveraging these tools, Microsoft could make it easier for developers to create and port applications to the Windows 8 platform, potentially increasing the number of available apps at launch.
Another point of interest is how Microsoft plans to handle app approval and quality control. Apple’s stringent app review process has been both praised and criticized. A similar approach by Microsoft could ensure high-quality apps but might also deter some developers due to the rigorous standards.
Moreover, the Windows 8 app store could also feature a variety of pricing models, including free apps, one-time purchases, and subscription-based services. This flexibility could attract a broader range of developers and cater to different user preferences.
Source All Things D
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