With the notification syncing between Android and Windows 10 available through the current Redstone Insider Preview build, Reddit user MrPromaster discovered that Cortana gave him the option to “Request App.” Naturally, the surprise has fans buzzing about the ability to use Windows 10 to connect with apps unavailable on the store.
Using the “Request App” through Cortana opens up a link to the Windows Store Request User Voice page. Even more interesting is that the User Voice page is not affiliated with, or run by employees by Microsoft. Regardless, that is where users can go to see a brief explanation of the button and some guidelines for making the requests. According to the web page, requests are directed to the company or developer of the app you are requesting but that doesn’t mean that they will decide to make an app. The request button is specifically for just voicing what you want on the Windows 10 store.
With only one person voluntarily manning the WinStoreRequests website, they’ve made a list of request guidelines:
- Please search for your app first to limit the number of duplicate requests. Ideally, search the Windows Store and WinStore Requests before creating your request.
- Please try to include a description of the app being requested and, if appropriate, a link to the company (or person) who developed it. This helps me know who to contact for feedback/updates on status and also helps others who might want to vote on the request.
- Requests should be for a specific app by a company or a developer that has an app (or apps) on Windows Desktop, iOS or Android but not in the Windows Store. While general requests for apps are appreciated, right now this forum isn’t the right place for them. (If there is enough interest, I may add a second forum.)
- Please try to keep your requests to one app per request. There are several companies/developers who make multiple apps that could become a Windows Store app, but submitting a single request for all of them doesn’t help us (or them) prioritize. Requests containing multiple apps may be declined or you may be asked to split them up.
- Please suggest apps that do not already have an official app in the Windows Store. If you want to request enhancements, improvements, new features, bugs, etc. about an existing official app, please direct them to the appropriate developer or company. These requests will be politely declined on this site.
- If you want to request enhancements, improvements, new features, bugs, etc. about the Windows operating system or any of the “built in” apps (like Internet Explorer, Music, etc.), please do so at the Microsoft Community for Windows. These requests will be politely declined on this site.
Just earlier this year, Microsoft canceled Project Astoria, the application bridge for Android developers to convert to Windows 10. Perhaps Microsoft is intending to bridge that gap through the new “Request App” feature. For Android users, the addition holds hope for seeing their favorite applications on their preferred operating system. Perhaps we’ll see more information about the ninja feature as we progress through the summer towards the heavily anticipated Windows 10 Anniversary Update
