A Quick Windows Store Preview

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I'm attending a BUILD session on Windows Store, but it looks like they won't be answering the key question everyone has: Will Microsoft be charging developers a percentage on each app sold through the store as Apple does in its own App Store?

On Monday, Steven Sinofsky told me that Microsoft would not charge a fee, or vig, on each app sale. But after reviewing Microsoft's reviewer documentation, I see that there are different rules for legacy Windows applications and new, Metro-style apps. And while Microsoft won't force developers to adopt centralized licensing for legacy applications--PhotoShop being the canonical example--they will do so with Metro style apps. (Where apps must be licensed for use on 5 Windows PCs.)

So it's possible that this zero percent vig applies only to legacy applications and not new apps. And Microsoft is not discussing this yet.

There were a few useful details, however. For example, the Windows Store will be the only place where consumers can get Metro style apps for Windows 8. This will allow Microsoft to ensure a consistent and reliable/safe experience, and I think that's the right way to go. (Developers will be able to "side load" their own apps while in development for testing purposes of course.)

Microsoft will highlight apps in a Spotlight section in the store. These will be GREAT apps, not apps whose placement is paid for by their makers. It will be editorially curated. There are various category sections too, including Games, Social, Entertainment, Photos, Music & Videos, Books & Reference, and News.

Developers are in charge of pricing, using price tiers (not announced). They can use features like Trial Mode and in-app purchasing; their choice.

More info as it arrives. Some more shots:

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Discuss this Article 3

Waethorn
on Sep 14, 2011
I wouldn't expect that they would give away credit card processing services for nothing, even if advertising was technically free (free for desktop apps anyway).
AndrewDucker
on Sep 15, 2011
I'm sorry, but I'm just not interested in a system whereby I can't load programs onto my desktop unless they pass Microsoft's content rules. Sure, check them for malware or whatever, but I will not put up with a corporation telling me that I can't have adult-themed software, or something which might offend someone, somewhere. If all Metro software goes through that kind of content filter then I have no interest in it whatsoever.
incubusjax
on Sep 16, 2011
@ Andrew I think you're missing something - The way I understand it, you can still install any program you want on windows 8; it is still Windows. But you can only get apps that take advantage of the Metro style start screen from the Microsoft Store. So in essence, Leisure Suite Larry won't have a tile with bouncing boobs, but that doesn't mean you can't install and run the program if you wish. I understand your concern, this is why I don't have an iPad. However, I do think that Apple/Microsoft has the right approach to an app store - otherwise you get the wild west mess that is Android's app store. The saving grace is that you can still install your third party programs as you do with Windows 7 and on down.

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