With the launch of Windows 10 on the horizon, the Windows Store is being completely revamped to better serve the cross platform nature of the new operating system and further evolve the digital storefront into a true powerhouse for both developers and the consumer.
In addition to the new Windows Store for Business model which adds more functionality for business owners and schools, Microsoft has also used Build 2015 to try and convince developers to develop for the Windows 10 operating system by providing statistics on the current state of affairs and promises of where they’re going with the platform in the near future.
Overall the Windows Store has seen impressive growth year over year with 58% more app sales, 86% more engaged users, 46% more developer momentum (now over 744,000 devs on board) and 51% app momentum. There are now 640,000 apps in the store app ecosystem and 50+ million engaged Xbox Live members. The presentation doesn’t go into detail on how users are classified as engaged or how many of those developers are continuously developing for the platform but there’s no doubt that those numbers are impressive by themselves even without more context.
A big focus of the new Windows Store for Windows 10 is the convenience of being able to develop one app that can be simultaneously sold on multiple storefronts on numerous devices and can be designed in a variety of different coding languages including the newly announced .NET and Win32 format and even iOS and Android apps which will soon be able to be ported over to the Windows 10 operating system.
The entire development process has been streamlined considerably with a new unified Windows Dev Center revealed that allows for simpler registration and submission, better analytics, simplified tax registration and one set of app certification policies. There was also a focus on improved app marketability with a new Microsoft Store Affiliate Program announced that offers 7% commission on all sales and an improved promotion tools that now allows campaigns, house ads and app install ads.
App monetization was also covered. Ad mediation will now be extended to all Windows app types which opens the door for potential ads in Xbox One apps or even HoloLens which would literally put advertising right in your face. Increased fill rates were also promised as were multiple business models such as subscriptions which were listed as “coming soon”.
Windows Store is continuing to evolve at a very rapid pace and more information on these changes and additions are bound to be revealed as we get closer to Windows 10’s launch date. Which improvement are you most excited about?
Further reading: Apps, Build 2015, Developers, Microsoft, Universal Windows App, Windows 10, Windows Store
