Microsoft App Store: Is it Worth The Trouble?
In February, Microsoft is slated to release a beta version of its app store, an offering that is surprisingly similar to the well-established app stores made by both Apple and Android. While it may offer users a measure of convenience there are a few issues surrounding its release that need to be examined before we can decide if it is likely to be a rousing success or another too-late-to-market failure.
Dealing with Payment Processing, sans Gift Cards
With the Mac app store users have two choices, pay by credit card or with the balance from an iTunes account, but then Apple had a solid foundation to build from. Since it is unlikely that Microsoft will go to the trouble of setting up an international prepaid card system this will give users only one option, expose personal financial data. While the fact that some vetting of apps is sure to happen, unlike the Android app store, this will no doubt deter both people who are worried about online privacy and those who worry about over spending.
Access to Software
While this option will give consumers more access to software, one is forced to wonder if this will have the same impact for PC users that it did for Mac users?
After all, the software for PC’s is a lot more common. You can visit any local Wal-Mart or Target and get software for a Windows-based computer. Mac users had it much harder before the App store came along, since for the majority of users the nearest Apple store was a significant distance.
Developers Perspective
The only major advantage to the Microsoft App Store may be the benefit to the developers, who will have more revenue options. With the Mac App store the developers split their app sales revenue with Apple at a 70 to 30 ratio. That same revenue system will be preserved for Windows apps, but the company is offering them the option of in app sales as well, which can be significant revenue for a developer. Currently, there is no word as to whether or not that revenue must be split as well, but this may be enough to entice developers working under the freemuim model to work with Windows.
Though, to be honest given the success of the iDevices many developers in the mobile market may have no choice but to work with Apple, since that is where the majority of the customers are.
Guys like Steve Jobs certainly evolved the way the every day people use stuff. When it comes to phones, for example Android, BlackBerry or iPhone, I feel many people do not even come close to using the functionality the phone includes. I question whether or not the producers separate it down to demographics, such as, so many people use the camera, such and such a portion use the web, or they only toss as much at it as they can.