Windows 11: Windows Store Changes
At the end of a surprisingly eventful, exciting presentation of Windows 11, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella came on the video feed to deliver some closing remarks. He laid out his vision for Windows 11 as a “platform for platform creators,” and in doing so, he issued a subtle but nonetheless stinging critique of Apple.
Nadella’s speech was almost entirely about building a case that Windows would be a better platform for creators than either macOS or (especially) iOS. He argued that “there is no personal computing without personal agency,” insisting that users should be more in control of their computers.
Nadella called out the changes Microsoft is making to its app store rules, allowing more types of apps, Android apps, and — most importantly — allowing apps to use their own payment systems if they so choose.
If you had told me in 2000 that in 2021 Microsoft would be positioning itself as the champion of creators and developers while Apple was being pilloried in Congress for being a monopolist... I would have probably flamed you on Slashdot?
Zac Bowden (via Steve Troughton-Smith):
The new store features policy changes that allows app developers to submit unpackaged Win32 apps, such as raw .exe and MSI applications.
Microsoft is also allowing app developers to use their own content delivery networks for app hosting and updates, meaning app updates no longer have to come directly from the Microsoft Store.
Finally, the company has announced that app developers can now use third-party commerce platforms, and Microsoft won’t take a revenue cut from apps that do.
But the deal has one important caveat: it doesn’t apply to games, Microsoft confirmed to The Verge.
[…]
Microsoft is largely on the side of apps and games being different because its bottom line depends on it. During the Epic trial, the company testified that it sells expensive Xbox hardware at a loss and makes its profits from the 30 percent cut it takes of game sales and subscriptions. But it also seemed like Microsoft was saying that PC games were different: the company recently announced that it would lower its cut of game revenues in the Microsoft Store from 30 to 12 percent starting on August 1st.
Microsoft opening up the Windows Store to any arbitrary exe file or installer URL has kicked off a mad rush for everybody to get their apps listed there — because why wouldn’t you be in the Store, now? It’ll rapidly become the first & only place most users look for software
Previously:
- Windows 11 Announced
- Revitalizing the Windows App Store
- App Store Small Business Program With 15% Fee
- Microsoft App Store Lowers Fees
