On Monday, we heard from Microsoft that the app downloads and developer revenue in the Windows Phone Store had increased by around one hundred percent. Now, it appears that the Windows Phone Store has reached another significant milestone.
According to Nokia, there are now over 120,000 applications available in the Windows Phone Store. Additionally, 46 of the top 50 iOS and Android apps are now available in the Windows Phone Store, showcasing the platform’s growing appeal and competitiveness.
The Impact of Windows Phone 8
The launch of Windows Phone 8 has obviously given the Windows Phone Store a substantial boost. This new version of the operating system has created significant interest among developers, encouraging them to develop apps for Microsoft’s platform. The enhanced features and capabilities of Windows Phone 8 have made it a more attractive option for both developers and users.
For instance, Windows Phone 8 introduced a more customizable Start screen, support for multi-core processors, and a shared core with Windows 8, which allows for easier app development across both platforms. These improvements have made it easier for developers to create high-quality apps that can run smoothly on Windows Phone devices.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite these advancements, Microsoft still has some work to do to catch up with Android and iOS. Both of these platforms have a significantly larger number of apps available, with the Google Play Store and Apple App Store each boasting over a million apps. However, the rapid growth of the Windows Phone Store is a positive sign that Microsoft is moving in the right direction.
One of the key challenges for Microsoft is to continue attracting top-tier apps to its platform. While having 46 of the top 50 iOS and Android apps is impressive, there are still many popular apps that are missing from the Windows Phone Store. Microsoft needs to work closely with developers to ensure that these apps are made available to Windows Phone users.
Another challenge is to increase the user base of Windows Phone devices. A larger user base will make the platform more attractive to developers, as they will have a larger audience for their apps. Microsoft has been working on this by partnering with various hardware manufacturers to produce a range of Windows Phone devices at different price points, making the platform accessible to a wider audience.
In addition to these efforts, Microsoft has also been focusing on improving the overall user experience of Windows Phone. This includes regular updates to the operating system, as well as enhancements to the Windows Phone Store itself. For example, Microsoft has been working on improving the search functionality of the store, making it easier for users to find the apps they are looking for.
Furthermore, Microsoft has been investing in marketing campaigns to raise awareness of Windows Phone and its unique features. These campaigns highlight the benefits of the platform, such as its integration with other Microsoft services like Office and OneDrive, as well as its distinctive Live Tiles interface.
The Windows Phone Store has made significant progress in recent months, with a substantial increase in app downloads and developer revenue, as well as a growing number of available apps. While there are still challenges to overcome, the future looks promising for Microsoft’s mobile platform. With continued efforts to attract top-tier apps, expand the user base, and improve the overall user experience, the Windows Phone Store is well-positioned to continue its growth and become a more competitive player in the mobile app market.
Source Engadget
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