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Windows 8 App Store - My wishlist

Summary: What would you like to see in the Windows 8 App Store?

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

By for Hardware 2.0 |

It seems pretty clear now that Windows 8 will have an App Store of some description ... but what should that App Store offer Windows users?

While no one from Microsoft has officially said that Windows 8 will have an App Store, Microsoft's president of the Windows Division, Steven Sinofsky, did outline the teams responsible for Windows 8 development, and on that list was App Store.

So, what would you like to see in the Windows 8 App Store? Well, given that this store will likely find itself on millions of devices, and that it has the potential to become the single biggest app store out there, I'd like to see Microsoft put some serious effort into making this work.

Here's my wishlist:

  • Commitment At the top of my list is commitment. I want to see Microsoft demonstrate that it is committed to an App Store and not go pulling the plug on it in a year or so. If Microsoft is going to offer an App Store then I want to be sure that my software will be available for download for years to come. I've got stuff that I bought on day 1 from Apple's iOS App Store (before it was even called iOS) and I can still download that software today.
  • One-stop-shop! Let's have the App Store function as a one-stop-shop for all my software needs. Microsoft is in a great position to create an App Store that would make PC owner's lives a LOT easier? Want antivirus? Click on the App Store! Want to buy Office 20XX (or whatever it'll be called)? Click on the App Store! Want to grab a game? Click on the App Store!
  • Cheap Windows upgrades Why are consumers still having to pay ridiculous sums for Windows upgrades when Apple is offering cheap upgrades for Mac users? If Microsoft wants consumers to let go of the past and install the latest version of Windows on an existing PC then upgrade pricing needs to come down - and come down dramatically! Apple's set the bar at $29, the ball is now in Microsoft's court.Note: While we're on the subject of Microsoft copying Apple and offering a competitively priced upgrade, how about copying another feature - over the web recovery of dead systems. Let's put an end to silly recovery discs!
  • Price No media and lower distribution costs should mean lower prices ... I want to see Microsoft work with software publishers to see that this lowering of costs is passed on to the consumer.
  • Windows Phone apps I'd like to see Microsoft get one up on Apple and make Windows Phone apps available for the desktop and mobile PCs. Why? Because there are many apps that would make awesome lightweight for the Windows platform. Mobile apps have a simplicity to them that, while not taking full advantage of the resources on offer on a PC, make them easier to use for many.

What would you like to see in the Microsoft App Store (and no one say 'Linux' or 'Lion" or anything stupid like that!).

Topics: Operating Systems, Microsoft, Software, Windows

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11 comments
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  • On the subject of cheap Windows upgrades

    Apple did not set the bar at $29 for an OS upgrade that can be installed on a computer not purchased from Apple. Since MS doesn't make computers, your comparison makes absolutely no sense. No one would accuse the BMW of setting the bar at $0 for an oil change because BMWs typically come with free oil changes. I can't walk into Jiffy Lube with my Honda and ask for a free oil change because that is what BMW offers. I'd be laughed out of the shop.

    However, your point is very well taken. Why doesn't Sony or HP or Lenovo offer $29 Windows upgrades when you spend over $1,000 on a PC? That would be an Apples to Apples comparison. In fact, why doesn't Apple offer a $29 Windows upgrade for the 50% of Mac owners who use Windows? Again, that would be an Apples to Apples comparison.
    toddybottom
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Windows 8 App Store - My wishlist

      @toddybottom Totally agree with you on this. OSX is effectively subsidized for many years by a very hefty upfront payment... It is in effect paid in advance...
      Drakkhen
      Reply Vote

  • RE: Windows 8 App Store - My wishlist

    "Commitment"

    Agreed. I also agree on tying it in with the mobile app marketplace they already have.

    Also, I'd LOVE to see integration with the Ultimate Steal program they offer, along with Microsoft Dreamspark (https://www.dreamspark.com/).
    The one and only, Cylon Centurion
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Windows 8 App Store - My wishlist

    In addition - Add previous purchased software to app store, AKA I have Office 2007 already, enter key code, always available online from then on. Lost your Windows disk, no problem, download an ISO with your serial baked in. That's the kind of convenience I would want along with the obvious online purchase of new software / games.

    They would be wise to look at Steam as an example for software distribution. Nearly flawless for its genre IMO.
    ericball
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Windows 8 App Store - My wishlist

      @ericball

      They have that already with Windows Phone. I just today, redownloaded a game I had uninstalled a while back.
      The one and only, Cylon Centurion
      Reply Vote

  • RE: Windows 8 App Store - My wishlist

    The "updates" Mac owners pay for are nothing more than glorified service packs, which Microsoft users get for free.

    Real OS updates are a different story.
    Droid101
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Windows 8 App Store - My wishlist

      This is 100% true. Does the author not know that microsoft set the ball for free updates and apple's 30 dollar updates are massively overpriced for what window users are getting for free

      @Droid101
      FormalForker
      Reply Vote

  • RE: Windows 8 App Store - My wishlist

    app store? Thought they (Microsoft) had that already, microsoft.com; wish they'd stop trying to hard to imitate Apple and come up with a new and fresh idea
    Charles_B
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Windows 8 App Store - My wishlist

    As a home users it makes software buying and updating so much easier that I am considering buying a Mac just for that. The only reason I have not done it yet is that I am living in the hope MS will get it right (quite unlikely but let us hope!).

    The App Store could be magical especially if it works for the enterprise too. I realize IT chaps might disable it but it could be a very easy way to push out software to the desktop as long as it can be managed in one way or another.
    Drakkhen
    Reply Vote

  • Moderation and control

    What I would want is tight controls over what is posted. If necessary, a clear separation for commercial, verified safe apps, and unverified apps. We know the dangers of an unregulated app environment.
    Also, plenty of corporate options. A corporate employee should have access to corporate apps but not free reign to install whatever they like. The ability to push apps and updates to PCs dependent on account type would also be nice. In fact it should be possible to force updates of insecure apps via group policy.
    keebaud@...
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Windows 8 App Store - My wishlist

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