Microsoft Store gains its first set of Progressive Web Apps on Windows 10: Skyscanner, ASOS, and more

Microsoft is hedging its bets on Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) to fix its app gap problem. PWAs are different to standard apps, in the fact that they are hosted by the developer, on their server, rather than Microsoft’s servers. They are built using standard web languages, instead of platform-specific code. However, it is up to developers to support native features of each operating system – the question for Microsoft is whether developers are willing to do this.

The first batch of PWAs have been made available on the Microsoft Store under the developer name of “Microsoft Store” (via Aggiornamenti Lumia), as they are indexed and published by Microsoft. Below are the apps that have been made available:

• Skyscanner
• Student Doctor Network
• The Penny Hoarder
• OfferFinder.net
• ZipRecruiter
• Space
• oyester
• Men’s Wearhouse
• ASOS
• Build.com
• Airfarewatchdog
• myCARFAX
• Travelzoo
• DayTrip

These apps can be tried now by installing them from the Microsoft Store on Windows 10.

Let us know your initial thoughts on these apps, and whether they’re an improvement on standard apps, in the comments below!

Further reading: Microsoft, Microsoft Store, Windows 10