Microsoft’s Windows Phone Store is still quite a way behind Apple’s iOS Store and Google’s Android App store in terms of the amount of applications available to download.
Microsoft has announced that they added a total of 75,000 new applications to the Windows Phone Store in 2012, which has doubled the amount of applications available to 150,000.
Confidence is built by testing and certifying every app and game to help protect customers from malware and viruses. Over the last year we’ve certified and published over 75,000 new apps and games (more than doubling the catalog size) and over 300,000 app updates. In addition, this year we added the capability for customers to tell us if they have a concern about an app.
The launch of Windows Phone 8 has obviously helped Microsoft with increasing the amount of apps available in the Windows Phone Store, and it will be interesting to see how many applications are available by the end of 2013.
Growth and Challenges
Despite the impressive growth, the Windows Phone Store still faces significant challenges. The primary hurdle is the competition from the well-established Apple iOS Store and Google Play Store, both of which boast millions of apps. Developers often prioritize these platforms due to their larger user bases and higher potential for revenue. However, Microsoft has been actively working to attract more developers by offering various incentives, such as easier app development tools and better revenue-sharing models.
Another challenge is the perception of the Windows Phone platform itself. While Windows Phone 8 brought many improvements and new features, it still struggled to gain the same level of popularity as iOS and Android. This lack of popularity can create a vicious cycle where fewer users lead to fewer developers being interested in creating apps for the platform, which in turn leads to fewer users.
Microsoft’s Strategy
To combat these challenges, Microsoft has implemented several strategies. One of the key strategies is the integration of Windows Phone with other Microsoft services and products. For example, Windows Phone users can seamlessly integrate their devices with Windows PCs, Xbox consoles, and Microsoft Office. This ecosystem approach aims to create a more compelling reason for users to choose Windows Phone over other platforms.
Additionally, Microsoft has been focusing on quality over quantity. By ensuring that every app and game is tested and certified, Microsoft aims to provide a safer and more reliable user experience. This focus on quality can help build trust with users, which is crucial for long-term success.
Microsoft has also been working on exclusive partnerships and apps to differentiate its platform. For example, certain apps and games are made available exclusively on Windows Phone, which can attract users who are interested in those specific applications.
Moreover, Microsoft has been actively engaging with the developer community. They have organized various events, hackathons, and workshops to help developers create better apps for the Windows Phone platform. By providing resources and support, Microsoft hopes to foster a more vibrant and innovative app ecosystem.
In conclusion, while the Windows Phone Store has made significant strides by doubling its app count to 150,000 in 2012, it still faces considerable challenges in catching up with its competitors. However, with strategic initiatives focused on integration, quality, and developer engagement, Microsoft is laying the groundwork for future growth. The success of these strategies will be crucial in determining whether the Windows Phone platform can carve out a significant share of the mobile market in the coming years.
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