Revitalizing the Windows App Store
Furthermore, in addition to the new storefront, Microsoft is also planning to relax some of the policies around what kind of apps can be submitted to the Store by developers.
According to my sources, there are three big changes coming to the new Store that will benefit developers:
- Allow developers to submit unpackaged Win32 apps to the Store
- Allow developers to host apps and updates on their own content delivery network (CDN)
- Allow developers to use third-party commerce platforms in apps
[…]
I’m told that Microsoft will not take a cut from app developers who do leverage their own in-app commerce channel, which I believe would be an industry first.
Via Damien Petrilli:
What is happening here is really important for the antitrust cases as it shows a lot.
Windows store: Microsoft is subjected to competition / underdog and forced to make a fair deal and be opened.
Xbox store: monopoly by Microsoft, they follow Apple / Google 30% walled garden.
We have a pretty clear example here about how big corps are forced to react when they are subjected to competition.
Previously:
- Spotify Set to Rival Apple Podcasts Subscriptions
- Examining Competition in App Stores
- App Store Small Business Program With 15% Fee
- Another Apple-Funded App Store Study
Update (2021-05-05): Tom Warren:
Microsoft is shaking up the world of PC gaming today with a big cut to the amount of revenue it takes from games on Windows. The software giant is reducing its cut from 30 percent to just 12 percent from August 1st, in a clear bid to compete with Steam and entice developers and studios to bring more PC games to its Microsoft Store.
It is amazing how even just a little competition changes things fast
Previously:
3 Comments RSS · Twitter
> Windows store: Microsoft is subjected to competition / underdog and forced to make a fair deal and be opened.
I completely disagree. The Windows Store is no more subject to competition than the Mac App Store. The Windows Store is a failure because it was design to distributes Softwares built with a framework nobody use.
This is completely MS fault and has nothing to do with wall garden and competition.
I think we need a distinction between single use, specific market like Xbox / Gaming market to something that is general use and quite literally required to work in modern society aka Smartphone.
I have no problem with Apple breaking up Games into a separate store and charge 30% for it. And they should be ultra strict with its game submission.
I have problem with Apple increasingly dictating speech and utility on their App Store. Especially when they are using it not for quality control but competitive advantage.
>We have a pretty clear example here about how big corps are forced to react when they are subjected to competition.
Yup. Microsoft isn't doing this out of benevolence. If they were as successful with the Windows Store as Apple with its App Store, they would double down on existing policies. But they're not; you rarely hear about people installing their software through the Windows Store. (I would hazard a guess it's even less successful than the Mac App Store.)
