14 DAY TRIAL // The Windows Store is not available as a part of the Windows Developer Preview, but this is not a reason for early adopters not to start building applications tailored to the next major version of Windows.
Microsoft will release Windows 8 Developer Preview Build 8102 Milestone 3 (M3) this week, providing devs with both the OS and the tools necessary for them to start building applications, including Metro apps.
There’s no telling when Microsoft launches the Windows Store, but most likely it will be later on in the development of Windows 8.
“You can browse and compare thousands of apps—we make it easy for you by grouping apps in familiar categories, highlighting frequently downloaded apps, and showing how other users have rated what they’ve purchased,” Microsoft said.
“For many apps, you can try before buying if you’re a bit skeptical. Once you’ve decided, you can buy with peace of mind, knowing that downloaded apps have been screened and checked for viruses. And you can install your purchased apps on up to five Windows 8 PCs.”
Ales Holocek, a distinguished engineer leading the team responsible for the Windows Platform, stressed that the Windows Store represents a great opportunity for developers, since they can easily launch their apps in an ecosystem of solutions including both traditional programs and new Metro apps.
Microsoft will test each app that developers upload to the store and wish to offer customers, with every item submitted needing to go through a series of steps including pre-processing, security technical compliance, content compliance, and signing and publishing.
“Build on the broad reach of the Windows Store Windows 8 and Windows Store make it simple for millions of customers to find, try, and buy useful, high-quality apps from practically anywhere in the world. The Windows 8 ecosystem creates an environment that makes it easy to distribute, update, and get paid for the apps that you develop,” the Redmond company added.
Sporting a Metro UI, the Windows Store will cluster apps into groups, with Microsoft controlling the Spotlight section, while the rest of the areas will feature app lists generated automatically.
Holocek revealed that apps from the store will be accompanied by a dashboard which developers can take advantage of in order to understand problems with their code via telemetry data, but also to access additional metrics, such as the number of downloads, market specific information, etc.
The Windows 8 Store app catalogue will be available to all the search engines, and devs will get statistics from each search engine.
“Take advantage of in-app purchase options With in-app purchases, you can set up your app to let a customer buy content or new functionality, such as unlocking the next level of a game. You can put the purchase options—displayed in the local currency—in the best places in your app for your customers,” the software giant said.
“Sell anywhere or everywhere In the Windows Store submission system, you choose the specific countries or regions to sell your app, and you set a single price for your app that will be converted to local currencies worldwide.”