Microsoft has today revealed that their new Windows 8 OS will indeed have its own “App Store”. This confirmation puts to rest the rumors that have been circulating since a number of Windows 8 development documents were leaked in the middle of 2010. These rumors gained further traction earlier this year when a few leaked Windows 8 screenshots indicated a navigation tab for an “App Store”.
Microsoft will now be matching Apple, who has already launched its own App Store for its OS X software. The announcement of the new App Store was made in a list of features within a blog post by Microsoft’s Windows president, Steven Sinofsky, titled “Introducing the Team”.
What We Know About the Windows 8 App Store
Even though Microsoft has confirmed that a team is now working on the new Windows 8 App Store, no other details about the feature were disclosed within the blog post. However, the introduction of an App Store in Windows 8 is a significant move for Microsoft, aligning it more closely with the app-centric ecosystems of its competitors like Apple and Google. This App Store is expected to provide a centralized location for users to download and update applications, enhancing the overall user experience by simplifying the process of finding and installing software.
The concept of an App Store is not new, but its integration into Windows 8 signifies a shift in how Microsoft envisions the future of software distribution. By providing a dedicated platform for apps, Microsoft aims to streamline the user experience and offer a more secure and controlled environment for software distribution. This move could potentially reduce the risk of malware and other security threats, as all apps would be vetted by Microsoft before being made available in the store.
Implications for Developers and Users
For developers, the Windows 8 App Store represents a new opportunity to reach a broader audience. By developing apps for the Windows 8 platform, developers can tap into the vast user base of Windows operating systems. This could lead to an increase in the variety and quality of apps available to users, as developers are incentivized to create innovative and useful applications.
Users, on the other hand, can look forward to a more cohesive and integrated experience. The App Store will likely feature a wide range of applications, from productivity tools to entertainment options, all easily accessible from a single location. This ease of access could encourage users to explore and utilize more applications, enhancing their overall experience with the Windows 8 operating system.
Moreover, the introduction of an App Store could also lead to more frequent updates and improvements to applications. With a centralized platform, developers can easily push updates to their apps, ensuring that users always have access to the latest features and security enhancements.
While the specifics of the Windows 8 App Store are still under wraps, the confirmation of its existence is an exciting development. As always, when we hear anything else, we will keep you updated.
You can read the full Steven Sinofsky blog post titled “Introducing the Team” on the Microsoft website.
Source: CNET
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